Andy Murray, world No3 and the foundation stone of the team’s success in reaching this stage of the world’s biggest annual global team competition, was of course a given.
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GLASGOW: Lleyton Hewitt and Andy Murray traded psychological volleys as tensions rose on the eve of Australia’s Ashes-like Davis Cup semi-final with Britain. A poor day like their opening one against Kazakhstan would end their quest for the title.
The 25-year-old joins brothers Andy and Jamie Murray and Dominic Inglot in a team trying to reach their first final since 1978. He is expected to win both his singles matches and perhaps shoulder half of the doubles burden, where he will take the credit or blame.
Smith is aware that his own reputation could suffer with the surprise selection of Evans, who wasn’t even in the team originally named earlier this month.
It sparked delighted celebrations among the British team, with James Ward and Kyle Edmund setting aside their disappointment at not being selected to take prime seats courtside with the rest of the entourage.
“It didn’t look great served on my plate, I was like, ‘what is this?'” “When you’ve played someone before, that’s always in your head”.
Evans was ranked 763rd as recent as June after failing to qualify for Wimbledon. All eyes will be on how he copes today.
Just prior to his Wimbledon semi-final against Federer this summer Murray admitted that while he hoped that the crowd would back him, he suspected that a large proportion would be cheering for his opponent.
Asked if he had considered nominating three singles players, Smith was also clear: “No, I didn’t actually”.
Australia captain Wally Masur was intrigued by Smith’s decision. If you’ve got questions, spotted an inaccuracy or just want to share some ideas about our news service, please email us on [email protected]. So, if Leon gets it right, he’ll be a genius. “If he doesn’t, there will be people ready to stick it to him”.
The 19-year-old says he feels more comfortable on the slower indoor surface, which he described as similar to the court on which he upset Czech Lukas Rosol in Australia’s first-round win in Ostrova in March.
Federer will be playing for the first time since his defeat in the US Open final, while Wawrinka will be returning from his semifinal defeat to Federer at the event.
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“Obviously some players can freeze in those situations but I don’t think that is in his personality, I think he will handle it fine”. The Davis Cup has a uniqueness about it that ensures it retains its appeal despite the matches nearly never taking place at congruous times of the season and the potential change of surfaces making it not only inconvenient for the players but often an outright hindrance to their tour schedule. He has a way of playing that will be tricky for Bernard but obviously Dan has to play a high level of tennis.
