Thompson takes Tomic's Davis Cup berth

Bernard Tomic is a surprise withdrawal from Australia's Davis Cup team to take on the Czech Republic in next week's first-round tie at Kooyong.

Australian Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt on Tuesday named the squad, without citing a reason for Tomic's absence.

Jordan Thompson will make his Cup debut alongside world No.13 Nick Kyrgios, big-serving Sam Groth and doubles specialist John Peers in the four-man side for the World Group tie from February 3-5.

The Czech side are also understrength with top-ranked Tomas Berdych, the world No.10, also missing the tie to focus on the ATP Tour.

Tomic indicated that Davis Cup was on his schedule when asked about it following his round three Australian Open elimination, although was non-committal.

"You know, I haven't been thinking too much about that (Davis Cup)," Tomic said.

"I think we play here in Melbourne. Yeah, it should be good fun."

It was reported his absence was linked to a dispute between his father John Tomic and Tennis Australia over funding for Bernard's sister Sara.

Sydneysider Thompson was thrilled to get the chance to represent his country on the hardcourt at Kooyong.

The Davis Cup would cap a stellar summer with Thompson making the singles quarter-finals in Brisbane, where he won the doubles with Thanasi Kokkinakis, and winning his first ever Australian Open round.

"Absolutely. That's one of my goals, to be a Davis Cup player and play for this great country," Thompson said.

Hewitt said playing at Kooyong should help his team continue their 7-1 head-to-head domination over the Czech line-up.

"To be at home on hardcourt at Kooyong will give us every opportunity to secure a win," Hewitt said.

"Nick, Sam and John bring plenty of experience to the team, and we couldn't be prouder to have Jordan Thompson in the fold."

Melbourne teen Alex de Minaur, who last week won his first grand slam main draw match, will join the team as hitting partner.

The Czechs will be led Jiri Vesely, Adam Pavlasek and the crafty Radek Stepanek.