John Peers has been named in a strong Australian team for the new-look Davis Cup finals in Madrid next month.
World No.28 Alex de Minaur, Nick Kyrgios (world No.30), John Millman (53) and Jordan Thompson (55) join Peers in the five-man Australian team captained by Lleyton Hewitt.
Hewitt declared the Australians would be dangerous after naming his line up.
One of the most explosive players in world tennis, Kyrgios returns to the Cup fold for first time since February last year, while De Minaur has won three ATP titles in a breakout 2019. Millman and Thompson have also enjoyed strong years.
Peers made his Davis Cup debut in 2016 and boasts a 5-3 win/loss record in doubles in eight ties. Peers teamed with Thompson in February for the Aussie’s 2019 Davis Cup first round 4-0 victory over Bosnia Herzegovina, which secured their spot in the World Group November Finals. The versatile doubles champion has successfully teamed with several different partners in Davis Cup duty, including captain Hewitt in 2016 and 2018.
Hewitt has plenty of options of who to pair with Peers.
“We’re fielding one of the strongest Davis Cup teams in recent years,” Hewitt said.
“We have so much depth in men’s tennis, it was a tough selection but I am so pleased the guys were willing to unite for their country once again.
“Alex has had an incredible year and John Millman continues to prove he can beat anyone in the world. Thommo broke into the top 50 this year and we’re lucky to have one of the best doubles players in the world in John Peers.
“Nick is obviously a brilliant team player, either in singles or doubles, so we have plenty of options. We’re definitely one of the more dangerous teams in the competition.”
Eighteen nations will compete in a round robin best-of-three rubbers format from November 18-24.
Australia has been drawn in Group D alongside Belgium and Colombia.
“The boys are in great form and have played with each other on many occasions,” Hewitt said.
“There’s no denying the talent and team spirit we have can carry us through to the championship match.
“We’ve enjoyed great success in Davis Cup and although it was difficult to see the format change and a 100-year tradition end, we’re putting on the green and gold to fight for our country.”