Australia spearhead Nick Kyrgios insists he’s fit and ready to face Belgium in this weekend’s Davis Cup semi-final on indoor clay in Brussels.
The world No.20 has battled a hip problem this year and after being knocked out in the first round of the US Open by compatriot John Millman, revealed he was struggling with a shoulder injury.
Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt gave Kyrgios time off from practice after the team’s arrival in Belgium last week, in an effort to ensure he remains in the best possible shape to beat a team who are looking to reach the final for the second time in three years.
Kyrgios, who only last month beat world No.1 Rafael Nadal en route to his maiden ATP Masters 1000 final in Cincinnati, has no doubts about being ready to lead Australia’s quest to qualify for a first Davis Cup decider since 2003.
The mercurial Canberran is set to face Belgian No.1 David Goffin, who has won 13 of his last 14 Davis Cup singles rubbers, in the opening match on Friday (2200 AEST) at the Palais 12 complex.
The 22-year-old has beaten the world No.12 in all three of the their previous encounters, including the 2016 Japan Open, but never faced the former French Open quarter-finalist on clay.
“I’m feeling good,” Kyrgios said at Tuesday’s press conference in Brussels.
“I have played him a couple of times this year and once last year. He is a great player who has had a great career.
“I think clay may suit his game a little bit more. But I feel confident. I have had some great wins on clay courts and like playing on it a lot and I am ready.”
Hewitt will reveal whether Jordan Thompson or Thanasi Kokinakkis will play in the second singles rubber against world No.77 Steve Darcis when the official draw is made at the magnificent-looking Town Hall of Brussels on Thursday at 8:30pm (AEST).