Nick Kyrgios news: Thanasi Kokkinakis insists doubles partner was not snubbed for Davis Cup

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Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios pose after their Australian Open men's doubles victory

Thanasi Kokkinakis has blasted talk that Nick Kyrgios was snubbed for Australia’s upcoming Davis Cup tie against Hungary, instead hinting that the 26-year-old turned down an offer to join the team.

Kyrgios was the big name not included after Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt announced his squad for the qualifier against Hungary in Sydney, starting early in March.

Instead included in the team are debutant Luke Saville, Kokkinakis, John Peers, Australian No 1 Alex de Minaur and world No 65 Alexei Popyrin.

Last week Kokkinakis and Kyrgios won the men’s doubles title at the Australian Open, winning their first ever Grand Slam trophy.

Kyrgious and Hewitt did have a turbulent relationship in the past though they have since mended their relations.

“He definitely was asked to play,” Kokkinakis said to Sky News.

“He has a few things on so he wasn’t able to play but he definitely didn’t get snubbed or anything- I saw those headlines and he didn’t get snubbed at all. Hopefully we can team up again in the future

“I think Nick has shown he always loves playing for Australia. I’m not sure exactly what he has on, but he obviously has something pretty important.

“He’s obviously in our strongest team. He was definitely asked and I think he and Lleyton have a good relationship, but he just wasn’t available for this time.”

Meanwhile, for Kokkinakis, the upcoming Davis Cup will be his first since 2015 and fifth nomination overall.

“I’m stoked to get the call-up from Lleyton. It’s been a long time since I’ve played Davis Cup,” he said.

“It’s a cool feeling putting on those colours and playing for Australia. That atmosphere is unmatched. It’s a great reward for the summer I’ve had, for me and my team and all the hard work I’ve put in.”

Nick Kyrgios Thanasi Kokkinakis

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