SYDNEY, Oct 26, 2021 (BSS/AFP) - Mercurial talent Nick Kyrgios was omitted

from Australia's Davis Cup team named Tuesday, with world number 32 Alex de
Minaur picked to lead the five-man squad.

   Kyrgios, 26, is widely seen as Australia's best player despite a world
ranking of 91 and a Davis Cup career marred by poor discipline and spats with
team management.

   Team captain Lleyton Hewitt did not address Kyrgios' absence in his squad
announcement, preferring to focus on the challenge facing Australia in Turin
next month.

   "It's going to be really exciting to be back with the boys again at the
Davis Cup finals," the two-time Grand Slam winner said.

   "Team selection is never easy -- we will be led by our number one Alex de
Minaur, who has had a really consistent three to four years on the tour and
has established himself as a top player."

   The Davis Cup finals bring together 18 countries, run from November 25 to
December 5 and take place in Turin, Madrid and the Austrian city of
Innsbruck.