Nick Kyrgios is in talks with potential coaches, says Australian Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt.

Kyrgios had not had a coach for a year-and-a-half, a period in which he has reached the Top 15 and won three titles, but also experienced injuries and was suspended for lack of effort in a second-round match in Shanghai. The 21-year-old Australian said he planned to get a coach following his defeat from two sets up to Andreas Seppi in Melbourne.

"He is actually speaking to one or two guys at the moment, coaching-wise,” Hewitt told *SEN* radio. “If he's able to get them, it's going to be a pretty good fit for Nick.”

The former world No. 1 turned Davis Cup captain occasionally helps the Australian players at tournaments, and said it was important for Kyrgios to have confidence in whoever he picks.

"We've had some chats about it, and I think he's on the right path at the moment," said Hewitt. "Unless he fully believes in it and buys into having that coach, it's not going to work anyway."

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Hewitt did express frustration with Australia's other temperamental talent, Bernard Tomic, who is not competing in the Davis Cup opening round this week. Tomic has changed his agent for the third time in four years. IMG announced in 2014 that it was dropping him. Tomic subsequently went to StarWing Sports before being represented by Hewitt's manager, David Drysdale. Drysdale told Fairfax Media that the two stopped working together after a "mutual agreement," and Tomic's father, John, declined to comment.

Hewitt suggested that John, who was suspended by the ATP tour for punching a hitting partner and has been involved in frequent conflicts with Tennis Australia, seems to "weigh down" Tomic.

"I don't feel like while his father is around and in the picture, and involved in his tennis so heavily, that he's going to have a chance to fulfill his potential," said Hewitt.

He did not receive a reason for Tomic's Davis Cup withdrawal.

"I've put in a lot of time and effort with Bernie," said Hewitt. "I don't know what's going on behind the scenes and why he's made that decision."