John Newcombe: Hewitt was asked to play doubles

According to tennis legend John Newcombe, Davis Cup coach Jason Stoltenberg and advisor Tony Roche asked captain Lleyton Hewitt to play doubles for Australia. The Former World No.1 won the doubles rubber for Australia against Austria in Graz last September alongside John Peers and according to Newcombe Hewitt is likely to feature against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Adelaide next month.

With some young Australians raising concerns about Hewitt playing the Doubles in Davis Cup, Newcombe said it was not Hewitts call to play Doubles. That decision has really been taken by Tony Roche and Jason Stoltenberg, said Newcombe.

Theyre the ones who have said to Lleyton, Youre the best doubles player weve got, you have to play but if youre going to play you need to play some tournaments. Thats why he plays in the tournaments.

Hes got to get some tournament practice. Hed rather not have to play doubles in the Davis Cup because hes got enough going on being captain. But what do you do? If you look at Alex [de Minaur], he doesnt know how to play doubles.

What are your other options? Lleyton could say no but he wants to win Davis Cup ties. Believe me, if there was a better option there is no way Lleyton would play. Healing from injury takes more time as you get older, says Federer