By Jack Massey
Chris Guccione, the most experienced team member of Australia’s Davis Cup team for the qualifying tie against Chile in Antofagasta, says he is secure in his role as leader of the young squad.
“I’m loving it. I am the most senior guy here [he has played one more tie than Peter Luczak]. If I can help out, even at my age I’m happy to give these young guys advice,” the lanky left-hander said.
Guccione’s relatively high ranking will warrant his selection as the No.1 singles player, but the No.2 selection is yet to be decided. There are a number of players in contention for this spot, with the most likely choice being Luczak. However, Brydan Klein and Bernard Tomic are also in contention, as are Sam Groth and Carsten Ball.
As an ambitious youngster, Tomic is keen to play, and at 15 years and 10 months would replace John Alexander as the nation’s youngest Davis Cup player. It would be a huge decision to include him in the team, yet Tomic believes he is ready.
“I’m just going to try my best, help out with the boys, help out with the team and hopefully we can do well, no matter what happens,” the Queensland prodigy said.
Guccione, meanwhile, says the tension between the young players competing for that spot has been evident in the Australian camp, as they strive to be noticed by captain John Fitzgerald and coach Darren Cahill.
“People are getting a little fired up which is good. They are putting their heart and soul into it on the practice court which is what you want,” he said today.
Despite the competition for spots resulting in some high-quality tennis, even the most ardent Australian fan would admit defeating Chile would be a huge upset. Because of this, and the youth of his prospective team-mates Luczak, Ball and Groth, the pressure is on Guccione to perform. In spite of this, he is eager to perform.
“I’ve had some of my best results in Davis Cup. If I can get a win or two its going to be huge,” said the 23-year old.