Injured Nick Kyrgios is facing a scan on what could be a dodgy hip as the countdown intensifies for next weekend's Davis Cup start for Australia against the United States.
The Marseille champion who had to quit his Dubai semi-final against Stan Wawrinka on Friday will then know if he can play as scheduled against John Isner in opening singles. The other opening day rubber will pit Bernard Tomic against Jack Sock on the grass at Kooyong Club.
Kyrgios said in Dubai that he was barely fit all week as he played in nine straight matches dating to the first round in Marseille. Australian media reports said that the 20-year-old could be suffering with intertwined hip and back issues.
If Kyrgios is unfit to play in the Davis Cup, new captain Lleyton Hewitt would have to go with Sam Groth in his place to back up Tomic.
Kyrgios seemed at a low ebb after quitting in Dubai, confessing that he had been feeling pain all week.
“I have been feeling so bad every day, like I’ve got some viral infection as well. I’m only human. I’m going to be tired, but no matter what, if I’m going to play (Davis Cup), I’m going to, you know, do my best.”
Kyrgios is hoping to make his first Davis appearance since last July after being left off of the side which played a semi-final against Britain in September due to disciplinary reasons after various on-court outbursts in 2015.