6 September 2016 | tennis.com.au

Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt today announced a six-man squad to face Slovakia in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Play-off tie at Ken Rosewall Arena from 16-18 September.

A team of four will be selected from that squad, which features world No.16 Nick Kyrgios, [19] Bernard Tomic, [66] John Millman, [195] James Duckworth, world No.16 doubles specialist John Peers and Sam Groth, fresh off a run to the third round in doubles at the US Open.

“This is a must win for us to secure our spot in the World Group next year and I know all the boys are fired up and ready to go out and get the win for Australia,” said Hewitt.

“Bernard and Nick are both firmly established in the top 20, Sam has proven himself as a Davis Cup player over the past two years and to be able to bring in John as a doubles specialist is a great advantage.

“I’m also really pleased to bring James Duckworth and John Millman into the squad. They both put in terrific performances at the US Open and give us a lot of flexibility.

“We have never played Slovakia before but they have some dangerous players in Martin Klizan and Lukas Lacko and we’ll have to play our best tennis to get the win.

“Playing for our spot in the World Group in an arena named after one of Australia’s great Davis Cup players, Ken Rosewall, will certainly provide plenty of inspiration.”

The tie will be the first time Australia and Slovakia have faced off in Davis Cup action, with Ken Rosewall Arena at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre to host its first tie in 11 years with a purpose-built grass surface installed on centre court.

Hunters Hill Lawn Tennis Club is the official practice venue for the tie.

The winner of this tie will secure their spot in the 2017 World Group with the loser to move into Asia Oceania Group One.

The Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Play-off tie at Ken Rosewall Arena has been secured for Sydney with the support of the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketek viawww.ticketek.com.au/daviscup or by calling 132 849.

The tie between Australia and Slovakia will be broadcast live and free on the Seven Network – check local guides for details.

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