Australia have qualified for the Davis Cup quarter-finals despite losing 2-1 to Germany in their final group tie on Sunday (local time).
Lleyton Hewitt's team beat Belgium and France over the past week in Hamburg but fell just short of claiming top spot in Group C.
With their place in the next round already secured, Australia opted to rest Alex de Minaur with Max Purcell losing his opening singles match 6-1 7-5 to Jan-Lennard Struff.
Thanasi Kokkinakis then played his first Davis Cup match this month after being sidelined through sickness and despite some lingering symptoms, digged deep to beat Oscar Otte 7-6 (6) 6-1.
MORE: Which players are competing in the Davis Cup? | Davis Cup 2022 explainer
In the deciding doubles match, Purcell and Matt Ebden were unable to beat in-form German duo German duo Kevin Krawietz and Tim Putz, who claimed a 6-4 6-4 victory.
Australia will now face the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals in November with the Dutch topping Group D ahead of the United States.
🇩🇪Germany delight a home crowd ❤️🇩🇪
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 18, 2022
🥇They top the table in Hamburg 🥇
Puetz and Krawietz beat the Australian duo 6-4 6-4 #DavisCup #byRakuten @GoldenSetTim @KrawietzKevin pic.twitter.com/4sSrlIuyD9
With a big tie looming, Hewitt was quickly asked about the availability of Australia's highest-ranked player Nick Kyrgios.
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist hasn't played Davis Cup since 2019 and turned down two call-ups this year.
Hewitt has been trying to lure a rejuvenated Kyrgios back into the team and was quick to praise the players he did have at his disposal during the group stages.
"I don't know - I've literally just walked off the court. I'll try to put together out best option moving forward and give ourselves the best chance," Hewitt said when asked if Kyrgios would play in the quarter-finals.
"But this week, I couldn't be prouder of the five guys here.
"I'm just thrilled for them, especially a couple of first-timers in Max (Purcell) and Jason (Kubler).
"For them to go through the experience of playing for Australia and wearing the green and gold, it's not something you shy away from. It's a massive milestone in your career and they both handled it really well.
"I'm extremely proud of all the guys. We've given ourselves a chance. It's nice to be through to the quarters."
Davis Cup 2022 quarter-final matches
| Date | Match |
|---|---|
| November 22 | Australia vs. Netherlands |
| November 23 | Spain vs. Croatia |
| November 24 | Germany vs. Canada |
| November 24 | Italy vs. United States |