Australia's Davis Cup Hopes Hit by De Minaur's Withdrawal

Australia's aspirations to end their 21-year Davis Cup title drought have taken a hit with the withdrawal of Alex de Minaur due to hip issues. Captain Lleyton Hewitt expressed confidence in the remaining squad's capability to progress despite the challenging group stage.

Australia's hopes of ending their 21-year title drought in the Davis Cup have suffered a blow, as Alex de Minaur has been ruled out of the group stage due to lingering hip problems. De Minaur, who made it to the U.S. Open quarter-finals, was hampered by the injury during his straight sets defeat to Briton Jack Draper.

Australia's captain, Lleyton Hewitt, confirmed that the world number 11 would be sidelined ahead of their opener against France in Valencia. Hewitt remarked, "Alex has done some incredible stuff in Davis Cup over the last three or four years now, but he's been battling since Wimbledon and hasn't been close to 100%. He was desperate to play, but ultimately it was not a viable choice." Australia is pooled in a tough group alongside the Czech Republic and Spain.

Despite this setback, Hewitt remains optimistic about the team's chances, citing the strong performances by Australian players at the U.S. Open. Alexei Popyrin upset Novak Djokovic at Flushing Meadows to reach the last 16, while Jordan Thompson and Max Purcell excelled in the men's doubles.

"We back ourselves against anyone," Hewitt said. "These guys have been putting in hard work not just this week, but throughout the year. They'll be full of confidence when we start." Australia, the second most successful nation in Davis Cup history, reached the finals in recent years but fell short, losing to Italy last year and Canada in 2022. The nation's last title came in 2003, with Hewitt playing a key role in that victory.

(With inputs from agencies.)