The Australian Davis Cup tennis squad has had a strange lead-in to their tie against Germany thanks largely to former member Bernard Tomic. The 25-year old made sweeping accusations of corruption against governing body Tennis Australia and fuelled his simmering tensions with Lleyton Hewitt by stating that he "doesn't care" what the former grand slam winner has to say.
Despite this, Australia will be confident in their ability to progress to the next round of the time-honoured tournament given the good form of world No.14 Nick Krygios as well as their teenage sensation Alex de Minaur who has been handed the No.2 singles spot.
Although De Minaur lost in the 1st round of the Australian Open last month, the 18-year old took a set from world No.19 Tomas Berdych during the defeat and entered the tournament with a string of impressive results including a 6-4, 6-4 victory over the highly-regarded Milos Raonic at the Brisbane International. Although a victory over Germany's spearhead, Alexander Zverev, appears beyond the youngster at this stage of his career, he will be well supported in betting to beat Michael Kohlmann's No.2, Jan-Lennard Struff.
In the all-important doubles, Matt Ebden has been paired with format specialist John Peers (world No.4 in doubles). Ebden pushed Kyrgios all the way in the Brisbane International eventually going down 6-7, 7-6, 6-2 and combined well with John Millman to reach the 2nd round of the Aussie Open doubles category. The Aussie pair are matched against world No.62 Peter Gojowczyk and world No.298 Tim Puetz, and will be popular with punters to advance in three.
Key stat: Nick Krygios has won seven of his last eight matches whilst three of his last four victories have been in straight sets.