Nick Kyrgios and Casey Dellacqua have been confirmed as Australia’s representatives for next year’s Hopman Cup, with the pair looking to break an Aussie title drought that dates back to 1999. The news caps excellent weeks for both players who have seen their rankings soar to career-best highs.

 

Kyrgios has moved to No. 58 following his quarter-final run at Wimbledon and is the youngest player in the top 100. Meanwhile Dellacqua has moved into the world’s top 30 for the first time, having claimed three titles in the past two years.

 

Both players proclaimed their excitement to be competing in the mixed team event ahead of the 2015 Australian Open following the announcement. They will be joined by British pair Andy Murray and Heather Watson, who were also named to compete in Perth.

 

“I’m hopefully going to show them that I’ve improved more since they last saw me play,” said Kyrgios who’ll be making his debut at the tournament.

 

“I’ve been working hard and it’s another chance to go out there and see where I’m at, to just compete and do what I love to do.

 

“I’ll be teaming up with Casey and I think she’ll be the leader of our little duo. I’m going to look up to her so hopefully she can lead me when we play a bit of mixed doubles.”

 

The tournament will be a homecoming for Perth native Dellacqua, who’s recent rise in the rankings will likely see her seeded at this month’s US Open.

 

“I’m really happy to be playing the Hopman Cup again, it’s always a privilege to go out and play for your country,” said Dellacqua.

 

“To play in front of my home crowd in Perth is a bonus. I always love playing in Australia and really enjoy the crowd support.

 

“To have the chance to play some big matches in my hometown will be extra special and no doubt all my family and friends will come to cheer us on.

 

We’ll have all the action of the Hopman Cup and other tournament’s being staged around the country on the big screen at SSC, in what is always a huge month of tennis for Australia.