BRISBANE, Jan 5 — Mercurial Australian Nick Kyrgios today pulled out of his ATP Cup rubber against Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime in Brisbane with back soreness.

He will be replaced by Australian number three John Millman, who will be playing in front of his home crowd on Pat Rafter Arena.

Kyrgios was in superb form in the opening tie against Germany, putting on a serving masterclass as he downed Jan-Lennard Struff in straight sets.

The second singles rubber will feature Australia’s Alex de Minaur against Canadian number one Denis Shapovalov. — AFP