Davis Cup: Leon Smith hopes for Andy Murray – and the success of the new format

British Davis Cup captain Leon Smith is open-minded about the Davis Cup reform. And assumes that his top player Andy Murray will be involved.

Great Britain’s home win over Uzbekistan last weekend was a reason for the hosts to celebrate. For example, the comeback of Daniel Evans, who came down in five sets on the first day in Glasgow Denis Istomin. The 3-1 win guarantees the British a seat in the first round in 2019, thus an easier way into the final tournament, which is to be held for the first time in autumn.

On the other hand, with a man like Andy Murray, Britain are definitely a candidate for one of the wild cards the ITF is giving out for the week-long finals event. Murray was not at the start against Uzbekistan, also the number one from Leon Smith´s team, Kyle Edmund, was missing.

Smith, in any case, is optimistic that Andy Murray will play for his team again in 2019. And that the introduction of the new format does not necessarily mean the end of the Davis Cup.

“Andy loves to play in a team competition,” Smith explained in Glasgow. “He has shown some of his best matches in the Davis Cup. And I’m sure he’d say that some of his best memories come from the Davis Cup.” For example, from 2015, when Murray led the British to victory in Belgium.

“Now that the format has changed, I’ve spoken to the boys,” Smith continued. And at the same time expressed his confidence in the world tennis federation. “The ITF will look into it, and if it doesn’t work, they’ll stick their heads together and discuss what works.”

Smith’s employer, the British Tennis Federation, is known to have taken a less positive view of the reform. And at least intend to vote against the changes. For Leon Smith, success depends mainly on who of the top players actually plays. The British Davis Cup captain is confident with Andy Murray.