Pat Rafter has rewarded Sam Groth for his dramatic rise with a spot in Australia's Davis Cup team for next week's World Group playoff against Uzbekistan.
With Bernard Tomic unavailable with a hip injury, Rafter has turned to Groth to fill the void, with the strapping serve-volleyer giving his captain singles and doubles options alongside team spearheads Lleyton Hewitt and Nick Kyrgios.
Doubles specialist Chris Guccione, who regularly plays with Hewitt in Davis Cup but who has also forged a successful partnership on tour this year with Groth, rounds out the four-man team.
Young gun Thanasi Kokkinakis will also travel to Perth for the September 12-14 grasscourt tie as a hitting partner.
Groth, 26, last month broke into the world's top 100 for the first time and cracked the fastest serve to date at the US Open in a second-round loss to Roger Federer.
Rafter said his team was highly motivated to win the tie and return to the elite 16-nation World Group in 2015.
He said confidence was high following promising performances at both Wimbledon and the US Open.
"It's been a big couple of months for the boys and we've seen some good results, both on grass during and after Wimbledon, and at the US Open last week," Rafter said.
"Lleyton won the title in Newport, Nick had a fantastic run at Wimbledon, beating Rafa to make the quarters, and he continued his momentum at the US Open.
"'Gooch' and `Grothy' have won six doubles titles together alone this year and I'm pleased to bring Sam into the team for his Davis Cup debut.
"It was unfortunate Bernie had to withdraw from the US Open and won't be able to play next week.
"We all wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on court soon."
Uzbekistan have a strong and competitive team, likely to be led by world No.44 Denis Istomin.
"We're very determined to win and we'll have to be on top of our game to beat them," Rafter said.
Cottesloe Tennis Club will host the playoff.
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