Philippoussis was no stranger to controversy himself, famously boycotting key Cup ties for Australia after clashing with then-captain John Newcombe and coach Tony Roche.

But he returned to the fold to help pilot Australia to Davis Cup glory in 1999 and 2003, the last two occasions the 28-times champions have won tennis' most prestigious teams event.

The one-time world No.8 is bemused at how Australia's latest war between skipper Lleyton Hewitt and former spearhead Bernard Tomic is being played out in the media.

Tomic last week claimed "no one likes" Hewitt anymore and that he, Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis wouldn't play Davis Cup again on Hewitt's watch.

"There's always issues because you have different personalities, so that's normal," Philippoussis said.

"Different personalities, when you put them together make a strong team, so it's very important to recognise that and you've got to communicate.

"In the past, if we had problems or I had an issue with someone, I actually spoke to that person - and only that person.

"And then one way or another, it was worked out. Simple as that.

"I think you have to go back to the old school instead and getting on Twitter because you're not going to figure out anything that way."

Philippoussis, never known for his commitment to training, won both his Cup trophies alongside the fiercely competitive Hewitt and doubles greats Mark Woodforde, Todd Woodbridge and Wayne Arthurs.

"We had very mixed personalities. We won two Davis Cup trophies. That speaks for itself," he said.

"We came together well as a team. What made us great was the fact that we were different."

Hewitt will name his team on Tuesday to face Bosnia and Herzevogina in a qualifying tie in Adelaide next month, with Philippoussis not expecting any selection surprises.

"You've got to pick the guys that are playing the best and producing results," he said before nominating Alex de Minaur and John Millman to lead the way with support from Australian Open third-round surprise packets Alexei Popyrini and Alex Bolt.

"It's not complicated. It's simple."

Australian Associated Press