FORMER world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is confident Australia’s Davis Cup future is bright, but he’s not sure if he’ll still be around to reap the ultimate spoils.

Australia currently have six players ranked inside the top 100, including rising stars Nick Kyrgios (53rd) and Bernard Tomic (63rd).

There are high hopes 18-year-old world No.181 Thanasi Kokkinakis will make major waves over the coming years, while 17-year-old Omar Jasika also appears to have a bright future after winning both the boys’ singles and doubles crowns at this year’s US Open.

Hewitt is the ultimate warrior of Australian tennis. But at 33 years of age, the two-time grand slam winner is now in the twilight of his decorated career, and is unlikely to taste another Davis Cup title.

The world No.49 will be back in action this week when he spearheads Australia’s World Group play-off against Uzbekistan in Perth, starting Friday.

If Australia win, they will retain their spot in the elite 16-nation World Group, giving them a crack to win an unlikely title next year.

If they lose, they will be relegated to the Asia/Oceania Zone. Australia have won 28 Davis Cup titles, but only two since 1986. Hewitt has been heartened by the recent emergence of 19-year-old Kyrgios, Tomic and Kokkinakis, and is optimistic Australia will be able to match it with the world’s best nations over the coming years.

“For us it’s about regrouping and consistently putting ourselves in a position to be in the World Group year after year,” Hewitt said.

“Hopefully we can get enough wins up to start getting seeded and get some better draws.

“A lot of things have to fall your way to win a Davis Cup.

“A lot depends on the draw and home and away matches and what surfaces you play on, but we are definitely looking a lot better than a couple of years ago.”

Hewitt holds the Australian record for most Davis Cup ties played (37), most singles wins (40), and most total wins (54). The South Australian has been joined in Perth by Kyrgios, Chris Guccione and Sam Groth, with Uzbekistan to be led by world No.55 Denis Istomin and world No.133 Farrukh Dustov.

Although adding Davis Cup duties to an already hectic schedule can be challenging at times, Hewitt said the competition was always close to his heart.

“It’s the pinnacle of our team competition,” Hewitt said.

“For me, Davis Cup has meant so much and been such a big part of my career.

“It’s a lot of fun seeing these younger guys, the new faces taking the next step in Australian tennis.

“I’m just fortunate I can still be a part of it.”

Originally published as Hewitt impressed by next wave