Wild WA weather puts brakes on Aussie Davis Cup plans

Australian Davis Cup captain Pat Rafter says Perth’s inclement weather over the past few days has done his team no favours ahead of their world group tie play-off against Uzbekistan this week.

The Australians are hosting Uzbekistan on grass at Cottesloe Tennis Club as they try to maintain their place in the elite world group of 16, with the tie to start on Friday.

But wild weather over this week has affected conditions at the picturesque club.

“We’ve had really bad weather,” Rafter said.

“That hasn’t helped.

“The court is dead, flat unfortunately.

“Hopefully over the next couple of days we can get a bit of speed back and a bit of bounce.

“But in saying that, the boys will have to play with whatever they’ve got.

“But we were hoping for a harder, faster court.

“Due to some circumstances, it’s fair to say it’s impacted a little bit on how we want it.

“We just need some good weather over the next few days.”

Rising star Nick Kyrgios also revealed today he was struggling with soreness in his left arm, but said it wouldn’t stop him.

“You’re never going to feel 100 per cent,” he said.

“I’m still learning every day to deal with niggling injuries.

“I’m healthy enough to compete.”