Queensland Tennis Centre, Brisbane , 3 April 2012 | Kim Trengove

Australia’s top male player Bernard Tomic will have the nation’s best Davis Cup player Lleyton Hewitt close by to support him against Korea this weekend.

Tomic, 19, says he is sharply focused on the task ahead after returning to Australia from Miami a few days ago and is pleased to have injured Hewitt’s motivational influence as the Aussies strive for a place in the elite World Group competition.

“He’s still the leader,” Tomic said of Hewitt.

“He’s a champion. We love Rusty (Hewitt). It is a shame he can’t play but we are ready to go. He has been supporting – hopefully he will be right for our next tie if we win here.

“It’s a different feeling (spearheading Australia) but, no matter what, I am going to try my best.”

The new-look Australian side includes Tomic, world No.75 Matt Ebden, No.121 Marinko Matosevic and Chris Guccione, but Hewitt – who has been sidelined with a toe injury – is playing a key role in the campaign led by Davis Cup captain, Patrick Rafter and coach Tony Roche.

Rafter, coming into his fourth Davis Cup tie as captain, said Hewitt’s input was invaluable.

“I lean on him a little bit. To have his influence is tremendous,” he said.

A victory over South Korea on Pat Rafter Arena at the Queensland Tennis Centre, would give the Australian side a place in the September World Group play-offs.

“They [South Korea] are the underdogs,” agreed Rafter today.  “These boys are playing great tennis. It’s probably fair that they [South Korea] are talking themselves down,” Rafter said.

“I am hoping for a clean sweep but we have to make sure we don’t get complacent.”

Tickets are available for the tie starting 6 April with two opening singles rubbers. Play starts at 1pm on all three days of action, including the middle Saturday featuring doubles.

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