Pat Rafter is confident Australia can push to reclaim its status as a Davis Cup heavyweight in the next three to four years after sealing a long-awaited return to the World Group.
But the Australian captain admits his team will need some luck in next week’s draw to ensure a return to the competition’s top tier is not short-lived.
The 28-time champion nation will compete in the top 16 next year for the first time since 2007 after securing a 4-1 win over Poland in Warsaw on Sunday.
Australia will learn on Wednesday who they will face in the World Group first round, starting on January 31.
And while Rafter is confident a team spearheaded by Bernard Tomic and Lleyton Hewitt will be highly competitive, he says the draw will be crucial.
“We have a very good team but you do not want to play Spain in Spain on clay,” Rafter said.
“There are a few matches we don’t want, that no-one wants.
“But outside the top couple of teams, we have a realistic chance of winning.
“Right now we’re just happy to be in the World Group. When we get ready for next year we’ll get psyched up and motivated for that.”
Despite doubts over his attitude in the past, Tomic was pivotal in returning Australia to the World Group, winning both singles matches in straight sets on clay in Poland, including the clincher against Lukasz Kubot.
The 20-year-old also won both singles matches against Uzbekistan in April while ageless warrior Hewitt remains a vital cog in the Australian team.
Rafter is particularly excited about what lies ahead after teenager Nick Kyrgios made an impressive debut in Warsaw, falling in five sets in the doubles rubber alongside Chris Guccione.
The 18-year-old also led Michal Przysiezny 4-1 in the first set of the dead fifth rubber before the Pole retired.
Like Kyrgios, US Open junior runner-up Thanasi Kokkinakis is considered among the world’s most promising young players and Rafter expects the 17-year-old to also be pushing for a place on the team in the coming years.
“I think in three of four years we’re going to have a really great team,” Rafter said.
With 32-year-old Hewitt’s future unclear beyond next year, Tomic will take the mantle as Australia’s spearhead in the coming years.
Rafter said Tomic had come of age this year with his attitude and work ethic in the team competition, despite a tumultuous season on the ATP tour.
“Bernard has been our best singles player for the last few ties and his singles record is pretty impressive,” Rafter said.
“He always gets the job done.
“He came here with low confidence and he found a way to win these two matches.”
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