Aussie star Matt Ebden adds fuel to Davis Cup fire by saying ‘he hasn’t had a word spoken to me about it’

After giving Rafael Nadal a real run for his money, Matt Ebden added fuel to the Davis Cup inferno by casting doubt on his future despite a wholesome desire to continue to represent Australia.

Communications between tennis’ governing body in Australia and its top athletes must improve says one of its leading players.

Less than hour after captivating the crowd on Rod Laver Arena in a second round loss to Rafael Nadal, Matt Ebden cast doubt on his Davis Cup future despite a wholesome desire to continue to represent Australia.

“When I was coming up it was my goal as big as any to play Davis Cup for Australia. I love playing Davis Cup,” said Ebden, currently ranked 48 in the world.

Matthew Ebden is hoping for a Davis Cup call up to face Bosnia.

CHEEKY SHARAPOVA REVEALS BEDROOM ANTICS

DAY 4: FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION FROM MELBOURNE PARK

‘YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED’: KYRGIOS IN SAVAGE RANT

“My goal was to become a really high ranked player so Australia could call upon me in singles or doubles. It was a huge honour for me to get my gold jacket as it is for most of the guys.”

But he said almost no attention is given to players’ planning needs.

“One of the things that does make it difficult is they always leave it until the last day, the day before we have to fly to the tie to tell everyone who is going, which is something I don’t really agree with.

“It makes it very very hard for us to schedule, to plan, for commitments to tournaments, to your families, coaches, team. I am not sure why it works that way, nearly all the other countries they know at least a month ago who is going to be playing Davis Cup for them.”

Ebden, who has a 5-1 winning Davis Cup record, is keen to turn out for Australia in the Davis Cup tie in Adelaide against Bosnia later this month.

“I get it there are things like form but I have not been contacted about Davis Cup in about four months, I haven’t had a word spoken to me about anything about Davis Cup. Am I available, would I put my hand up? Absolutely. But I haven’t heard a word about it. I will always be there with bells and whistles playing for my country if I can. Nothing will change for me.”

Australia’s number two player, John Millman, also reiterated his wish to turn out for his country.

“Playing Davis Cup is one of the greatest honours I could have. I love playing in the country’s colours. I’ve always felt well-supported by the captain, by the coach, by the support staff. I’ve had only positive experiences from it,” he said.

John Millman is a passionate advocate of the Davis Cup.

Millman, meanwhile, dismissed the Tomic attack on Hewitt on Monday.

“I get along fine with Bernie. He’s a Queenslander. He’s a bit of a laugh at times, a bit of a larrikin. When we get in camp, it’s just all about getting the win.”

He was vocal around changes to the Davis Cup, he said, because of his love for the 118-year-old competition.

Millman would be happy to see Tomic and Kyrgios back in the fold.

“Bernie, he was off in the jungle for a bit there. I’ve got no problems with Bernie. I played Fast4 with Nick just the other day. I actually really like Nick. I think he’s a top bloke. I think sometimes we go a bit hard on him when you don’t see what he’s doing off the court. He has his own charity,” Millman said.

“That’s more than me. Nick has used his stature and managed to have the NK Foundation, which I think is fantastic. I think sometimes we forget about those things when we’re just having a go at performances.”

Originally published as Aussie star Matt Ebden adds fuel to Davis Cup fire by saying ‘he hasn’t had a word spoken to me about it’