"It does bring out some of his best tennis" - Stosur on Kyrgios in team competitions

Australia will be one of the favourites at the inaugural United Cup and that's also thanks to captain Sam Stosur and country's no. 1 players Nick Kyrgios.

Taking place of former Hopman Cup and recent ATP Cup, the United Cup promises to be a spectacular event. Australian team consists of Nick Kyrgios, Alex de Minaur, Ajla Tomljanovic, Zoe Hives and Maddison Inglis and it will be coached by Sam Stosur and Lleyton Hewitt. Speaking ahead of the event, Stosur said:

“Having this event -- men and women, ATP & WTA combined -- when you’re really playing for something, you’re playing for your country, you’re playing for points, and obviously everything that goes along with that, I think it’s fantastic,” former World No.4 Stosur said. “It’s a huge step forward for our sport, and now that it’s happening it can only get better and better.

“You never know where things could go from here on in, now that the first one [is happening] and everyone can experience it. Having both combined is just an awesome event, and I’m really looking forward to it.”

“I think it’s going to be an awesome experience, sitting out there watching Nick [Kyrgios] and Alex [de Minaur] and Ajla [Tomljanovic], and Zoe [Hives] or Maddy [Inglis], and whoever else is playing and whoever they’re against," said Stosur. "There’s no better seat in the house, I’m sure it’s going to be super exciting."

“Anytime you wear your country’s colors, something else sort of happens to you. I know what it’s like to be playing out there, so I couldn’t imagine not being excited on the bench seat as well.”

When talking about the 2022 Wimbledon finalist, who will be one of the players that should lead the country to success, Stosur said:

“It’s no secret that he [Kyrgios] loves the team environment, playing in a group and in a team, and it does seem to bring out some of his best tennis,” Stosur said. “I’m sure the United Cup is going to be no different to what we’ve seen him do in those sorts of situations before. He loves playing at home, and it will be at Ken Rosewall Arena and hopefully have great crowds and excitement. It’s going to be good fun.”