Tomic to make Cup debut

By Mark Skendaris
 
Bernard Tomic will become Australia’s youngest ever Davis Cup player when he makes his debut against Chinese Taipei in the Asia/Oceania Play-off on Friday.
 

The 17-year-old will open the tie against Chinese Taipei’s Tsung-Hua Yang. This will be a re-match of their junior Australian Open final of 2008, which Tomic won.
 
"It's great, I couldn't ask for anything better. This is a dream come true for me,'' Tomic told the Herald Sun.
 

"With all pride, I'm going to try my best and pull this team to victory as much as I can and support in any way.''
 

The Queenslander’s selection comes a week after he and Australian star Lleyton Hewitt sorted out differences that have existed between the pair since Wimbledon last year. Hewitt felt he had been snubbed by Tomic's decision to turn down an invitation to hit with him. Tomic denied the accusation, claiming he had been suffering swine flu.
 

The rift reached new heights in January at the Hopman Cup in Perth where Hewitt said Tomic was unworthy of Davis Cup selection based on his performances. Hewitt has since tempered his view, saying he was impressed by Tomic, as the teenager took eventual Australian Open semi-finalist Marin Cilic to five sets last month.
 

Tomic will be Australia's youngest Davis Cup player since Viv McGrath in 1933.
 

Australian veteran Peter Luczak will be the second singles player. Currently ranked 75th in the world, the baseliner will play Chinese Taipei's No.2 Chu-Huan Yi in the second match tomorrow.
 

Luczak, a Melbourne resident, loves representing his country, especially in Davis Cup.
 

“I just love being part of the team. I almost wish it was Davis Cup week every week you get treated so well,'' Luczak told The Age.
 

''You don't play too many team competitions, so it's nice to hang out with all the Aussies.”
 
Big serving left-hander Carsten Ball will partner Paul Hanley in Saturday’s doubles, while Yi and Yang pair up for the visitors.
 
The tie will take place at Melbourne Park on Margaret Court Arena.