Australia pick teens to face France in Davis Cup
Nick Kyrgios, Thanasi Kokkinakis and Jordan Thompson have been picked after the experienced Bernard Tomic was ruled out with a hip injury.
Captain Pat Rafter Tuesday named teenagers Nick Kyrgios, Thanasi Kokkinakis and Jordan Thompson in Australia's team to face France in the Davis Cup World Group first round later this month.
With Bernard Tomic out with a hip injury, Rafter is looking to youth to complement the experience of Lleyton Hewitt and doubles player Chris Guccione.
Kyrgios, 18, and Kokkinakis, 17, both reached the second round of the Australian Open last week, while 19-year-old Thompson won the wildcard playoff to qualify for the Open and will travel with the squad to France as the back-up player.
The Australians, who are back in the elite World Group for the first time since 2007, face a formidable French line-up headed by top-10 players Richard Gasquet and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
The tie will be played indoors on clay in La Roche sur Yon in France from January 31 to February 2.