Nick Kyrgios Replaced by Lleyton Hewitt in 2016 Davis Cup

Veteran tennis player Lleyton Hewitt will replace Nick Kyrgios on Australia's Davis Cup team for their first-round matchup against the United States beginning on March 4, according to Fox Sports. 

Kyrgios was forced out of Davis Cup play because of a virus. According to Leo Schlink of the Herald Sun, Kyrgios is experiencing "swelling, lethargy and ulcers."

The 35-year-old Hewitt had recently retired after losing in the second round of the Australian Open to David Ferrer in January, but his retirement only lasted a little more than a month.

The Australian Olympic Team was quick to welcome Hewitt back to the court:

In an 18-year career, Hewitt was the world's No. 1 player in 2001 and had wins at the U.S. Open in 2001 and Wimbledon in 2002. 

He's had plenty of experience at the Davis Cup as well with two titles in 1999 and 2003. According to ABC Grandstand Sport, Hewitt holds the Australian record for most Davis Cup ties and singles wins.

Hewitt was originally the captain of this year's team, which is a non-playing role, but the illness to Kyrgios, who is ranked 27th in the world, thrust him out of retirement. 

His playing role on the team has not been disclosed yet, but Hewitt shouldn't be too rusty after such a short retirement stint. That kind of experience on the court should be a big help for Australia's Bernard Tomic, Samuel Groth and John Peers, who are looking to deliver their nation its first Davis Cup title since 2003.

Stats courtesy of DavisCup.com.