Bernard Tomic has been named to the Australian Davis Cup team for its forthcoming zonal tie against Taiwan. Tomic, 17, will be the youngest player ever named to the Australian squad.
The teenager was the subject of much controversy during the Australian circuit, including debates about whether he was ready to play Davis Cup and whether he would be welcome on the squad after clashes with Lleyton Hewitt and Australian Open officials. Tomic's father also threatened that his son might begin representing his birthplace of Croatia.
But with Hewitt sidelined following hip surgery and Chris Guccione also out of the tie, Tomic secured his Davis Cup spot after posting encouraging results so far this season.
Peter Luczak, Carsten Ball and Paul Hanley are the other members of the team. Luczak, Ball and Tomic will be candidates to play singles.