"I don't really know what goes on with him" - Patrick Rafter on Nick Kyrgios' return to the Australian national team for the United Cup

Australian tennis legend Pat Rafter says he plans to simply sit back and observe Nick Kyrgios’ return to the national team. Kyrgios, 27, agreed to represent Australia at the inaugural United Cup, which is set to take place in Australia between 29 December - 08 January.

Kyrgios will be representing Australia for the first time in three years as he hasn’t been with the national team since the 2020 ATP Cup.

“He will have to work out how he goes about all that. I don't really know what goes on with him," Rafter told the Australian Media. "I just sit back and watch it, see what comes out and have a bit of a laugh. Because I am not involved in it and don't need to be, I really enjoy sitting back now and not have to say or do anything.”

In late November, Australia ended as runner-up at the Davis Cup Finals. Kyrgios, who hasn’t played in the Davis Cup since 2019, was invited to play in Malaga but he declined.

Without Kyrgios, Australia made the final but couldn’t beat Canada, which was led by Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov. Rafter was asked if the outcome of the final would have been different had Kyrgios played.

“Would'ves. Should'ves. Could'ves," said Rafter. "You've got to want to be there. If you don't, you don't just let down yourself, you let down the team. Obviously you have got Lleyton there running the show. All our generation wanted to be there and play. We loved it. Some people don't like it.”