Smeets joins Davis Cup team

Robert Smeets arrived in Antofagasta, Chile on Sunday to join the Australian Davis Cup squad.

The 147th-ranked Smeets will add more competition to a young squad for the team to face Chile in the World Group Play-off of the Davis Cup.

The rest of the team is Chris Guccione (ranked 80), Peter Luczak (178), Carsten Ball (190) and Sam Groth (235).

The Dutch-born Smeets who moved to Australia with his family when he was a child, was granted Australian citizenship earlier this week.

Captain John Fitzgerald said Smeets had earned the call up and would definitely be competing for a place in the final team.

"He's not just coming here to make up the numbers. Robert has had some excellent results in the last 12 months and he has done a lot of work on his game. His current ranking reflects that," said Fitzgerald.

"There is a good feeling among this group but they are also a highly competitive bunch. The guys have quickly adjusted to the clay and settled nicely into their work."

Australia holds a 2-0 Davis Cup record against Chile, but will start longshots for the tie beginning next Friday.