17/09/2008 10:33 AM
Teenagers Bernard Tomic and Brydan Klein are training for their Davis Cup lives on the eve of Australia's mission improbable in Chile.
The pair are in contention to be handed Davis Cup debuts on the red clay of Antofagasta this weekend, despite not being named in the initial four-man line-up.
Captain John Fitzgerald opted for Chris Guccione, Peter Luczak, Carsten Ball and Sam Groth to take on Fernando Gonzalez and co in the World Group play-off.
But Fitzgerald has continually spouted his plan to use form on the practice courts to settle his quartet for the tie.
"We haven't decided yet," Fitzgerald told the Chilean media on Wednesday morning (AEST).
"We are still having a look at a few things and will announce our team on the morning of the draw."
The team has been training twice daily under the watchful eye of Fitzgerald and coach Darren Cahill.
Fifteen-year-old Tomic, in his second squad experience, is keen to press his case before the tie begins.
"I'll try my best and leave it up to Fitzy and Darren to decide who goes in because in the end it's (about) what's best for the team," Tomic said.
The finishing touches have been put on the 10,000-capacity stadium. The intimidating setting would seem no place for an untried schoolboy but Tomic is not fazed.
He is impressed by the surface.
"It is very smooth, not many bad bounces," Tomic explained.
"Normally on clay courts you have a lot of bad bounces but this one here is really nice to play on."
Guccione, meanwhile, looks a lock to lead the side.
The 23-year-old will spearhead the singles in the absence of injured Australian No.1 Lleyton Hewitt.
"I'm loving it. I am the most senior guy here," Guccione said.
"If I can help out, even at my age, I'm happy to give these young guys advice."
Guccione gave little away when quizzed on who might take up the second singles position, but he said the fight was tense in practice.
"People are getting a little fired up which is good," the Victorian said.
"They are putting their heart and soul into it on the practice court which is what you want. This is quite a young team and they've been playing together as part of the AIS for the last year or two, so we know each other well."
The opening match of the tie is scheduled for midnight on Friday (AEST).
Australia holds a 2-0 Davis Cup record against Chile with wins on Brisbane grass in 1982 and on hard court in the United States in 1964.