MELBOURNE, Australia — Australia Davis Cup coach Jason Stoltenberg has indicated new captain Lleyton Hewitt might play in the first-round tie against the United States this week if a virus-affected Nick Kyrgios withdraws.
If so, it would rank among the shortest "retirements" of any sportsperson. Two-time Grand Slam champion Hewitt called it quits after a 20-year career only in late-January during the Australian Open, where he lost in the second round in singles.
"He thought he was retired and he's been hitting more than these guys," Stoltenberg said Wednesday at Kooyong.
"It's probably the first time that a captain has actually had to get out and prepare as if he may play.