Davis Cup: Australia to Face Kazakhstan on Grass in Darwin

Australia will face Kazakhstan on a purpose-built grass court in the steamy northern city of Darwin in their Davis Cup quarter-final in July, officials announced Wednesday.

The showdown in the tropical capital of the Northern Territory follows Australia beating the Czech Republic and the Kazakhs overcoming Italy to seal last-eight berths earlier this month.

"All the boys are really looking forward to heading to Darwin for the quarter-finals," Australian captain Wally Masur said ahead of the tie from July 17-19.

"It's been a long time since Australia has had the opportunity to play a home Davis Cup tie in the World Group and I know the people of the Northern Territory will be keen to support the team and spur us all on.

"Being able to play on grass in the middle of the Australian winter is an absolute bonus and will give us our best chance to progress to the semis."

Bidding to reach the Davis Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2006, Australia will be boosted by the return of last year's Wimbledon quarter-finalist Nick Kyrgios, who missed the Czech clash due to injury.

Masur will have a powerful squad led by Kyrgios, Bernard Tomic, Thanasi Kokkinakis and veteran Lleyton Hewitt.

"It's always good to be in a position where there's tough competition for spots in the team, and all our players have had a tremendous start to the season," he said.

In the other quarter-finals, France face Britain, Argentina take on Serbia and Belgium host Canada.