Aussie Davis defence in jeopardy

Rafter, who briefly held the world number one ranking last year, is still struggling to find his form after returning to the game from shoulder surgery while Philippoussis is battling a knee problem.

Newcombe said he was confident Rafter was on the mend but was concerned about his state of mind after such a long lay-off. He said he would even consider playing him in the doubles rather than risk him in singles.

“There’s a certain fear factor in there and what Pat’s got to determine is what is fear and what is reality about what is hurting there,” Newcombe said.

“I have no doubt that if the shoulder is fine Pat’s going to come back really strong but you’re not going to see the best of him until around Wimbledon time.”

With Rafter and Philippoussis in doubt, Adelaide teenager Lleyton Hewitt and evergreen serve and volleyer Wayne Arthurs are the likely candidates for the singles roles in the April 7-9 match in Adelaide.

Newcombe said he was still confident that his team would win the tie, particularly with Germany’s top player Nicolas Kiefer in doubt.

“But you’ve got to prepare the best you possibly can for Davis Cup because you never know what’s going to happen,” he said.

Newcombe, who will stand down as captain at the end of the season, has asked Tennis Australia to name his successor before then.

The former world number one said he wanted to start working with the new captain before the Davis Cup semi-finals in July to ensure a smooth transition.

He said he was hoping to end his tenure on a high with a “dream” final against the United States in December.

”I think the rest of the world is hoping that too because itcould be an unbelievable final,” newcombe said.