The draw for the Australia Japan second round Davis Cup tie surprised those in attendance where it was revealed twenty two year old Carsten Ball has been will be filling in for the higher ranked Peter Luczak.

The match up will mark Ball’s debut live singles rubber in a must win situation for Australia.

Heath Warren reports.

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TRANSCRIPT

The clay specialist Luczak was expected to join Lleyton Hewitt as the singles players for the second round tie on clay at the Pat Rafter Arena.

Although Luczak is suffering from a minor wrist injury. Australian captain John Fitzgerald says match ups was the primary reasoning behind Ball’s inclusion.

While confident, Fitzgerald says his players won’t be taking their opponents for granted.

John Fitzgerald, Australian Captain: “I think on paper we might be the favourites but that means nothing when we step on the court on Friday.”

Although unfamiliar with the clay court, the Japanese team say they can triumph over the Australians if they get off to a good start.

Eiji Takeuchi, Japan Captain: “It is very important this first day, we must start good.”

It’s a must win situation for Australia if they hope to reach the Davis Cup World Group in September.

The tie is scheduled to start tomorrow where Hewitt will take on Japan’s Tatsuma Ito followed by Ball’s clash against Yuichi Sugita.

Heath Warren, QUT News