MALAGA/STARNBERG, November 22, 2022

Australia will be vying for a spot in the Davis Cup by Rakuten semi-finals for the first time since 2017 when they face the Netherlands in Malaga, Spain on Wednesday. 

Captain Lleyton Hewitt and his team comprising world No.24 Alex de Minaur, Jordan Thompson, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Max Purcell and Matt Ebden will line up for the green and gold at the Palacio de Deportes Martin Carpena.

Twenty-eight-year-old Thompson, who has made nine Davis Cup appearances so far for Australia, was added to the five-man team overnight.

“It’s always been a great passion of mine to be able to represent Australia in Davis Cup,” said De Minaur, quoted by Tennis Australia.

“I feel very privileged to be in the position that I am. I love these weeks. I want to do everything I can to help my team and help my country. It’s great to be a part of it.”

Hewitt added: “I rely heavily on Alex. But then again, Rochey (coach Tony Roche) and I have spent a lot of time over the years with Alex since he was an orange boy and really getting him ready for these situations where he’s got to go out there and lead the team and he does that so well.

“Not only on the court but also off the court as well, which is really important being in a team environment. We’re extremely proud of Alex and I have no doubt, he’s going to play well for us here.”

Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals – Malaga, Spain (22-27 November 2022)

Australia vs Netherlands – Tuesday 22 November

Nominations for the tie will be submitted one hour before play.

The winner of this tie will play the winner of Croatia vs Spain in the first semi-final on Friday 25 November.