“Some people are hoping it fails” – Andy Murray gives backing to Davis Cup

Andy Murray has urged fans to get behind the new-look Davis Cup, as he admits there may be some who are hoping it will fail.

The tournament has received a revamp this year, with ties condensed into a week of tennis at one host venue – the Caja Magica in Madrid.

Murray, who led Great Britain to Davis Cup glory in 2015, is back in the team after injury, and says he is raring to go, despite some other top players being absent.

“Tennis is not always the easiest to make changes in and this is a big change,” Andy Murray, who has brother Jamie with him on the team again, said.

“I think there’s some people that seem to be hoping it doesn’t go well but I hope it goes really well and that it’s a big success.

“The players and all of the fans need to try to give it a chance to see how it goes and I think we’ll have a better idea after the tournament’s finished.”

However, while Murray is fully behind the new format, he does admit he is worried about the loss of the home/away ties, and especially the brilliant atmosphere they provided.

“I’m going to miss that but I love being around the team and I’m excited to see what the new format looks like and I hope the atmosphere is brilliant,” Murray added. “That’s my one concern.”

Alexander Zverev has decided not to play and is a strong public detractor of the new format, and Daniil Medvedev has pulled out with exhaustion.

Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem also miss out due to Switzerland and Austria failing to qualify.

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