Nick Kyrgios would have “absolutely” been part of Australia’s Davis Cup team this week if he wanted to be, captain Lleyton Hewitt says.
The fan favourite and 2022 Australian Open doubles champion opted not to be available for the Davis Cup qualifier in Sydney but has an open invitation to return.
Hewitt’s cryptic answer as to why Kyrgios didn’t play was that the Canberran star “had a meeting in America, so it made it pretty tough”.
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Kyrgios last played in the Davis Cup for Australia against Belgium in November 2019.
“We wanted him back for this match, so it’s disappointing that he wasn’t available for this particular tie,” Hewitt said.
“But he’s in the top five players in our team. I get along extremely well with Nick and we have plenty of open discussions and he loves playing, but he’s got a lot of other things going on at the same time as well.
“Hopefully, he gets the opportunity to be back in the team because he really enjoys being around the boys and I actually think it helps his tennis and his enjoyment of the sport as well.
“At times, it can break up a really long year … tennis is a pretty individual sport throughout the 12 months travelling, so hopefully we get through this match and he’s available later in the year.”
Kyrgios has been typically frank on social media since his brilliant Australian Open run, revealing that he “self-harmed” during his toughest times on tour in a heartbreaking admission.
“No one knows what I’ve gone through, all the struggles I’ve overcome,” Kyrgios said.
“I’ve self-harmed, was having dark thoughts about life. I always have my back and have all the confidence in the world. I lean on my loved ones.”
Asked about Kyrgios’ revelation and if he had reached out to him since, Hewitt hinted he was aware of the dual grand slam quarter-finalist’s personal battle.
“I’ve spoken to him throughout time and consistently every few weeks. Normally, we’re talking anyway,” Hewitt said.
“I understand the tough times that he’s been through in the past and it’s hard when you’re always out and the centre of attention.
“People assume all the time that everything’s rosy out there. It’s probably not for most people at some stages, but that’s why you have to have good people around you to pick you up and keep you on the right track.”
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