Great Britain to host USA in Davis Cup rematch

 

Originally published on 18/09/14

Andy Murray and James Ward helped steer Leon Smith's team to a 3-1 victory in San Diego in February – the first time since 1935 that Great Britain had beaten USA in the competition.

It will be the first time since 2002 that British crowds will have a chance to witness a World Group clash, with Russia the most recent visitors in April 2013 for a Europe/Africa Zone Group I tie.

The last World Group tie was held at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena in February 2002, when Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski held a 2-1 lead but lost their reverse rubbers to Thomas Enqvist and Thomas Johansson for a 3-2 defeat.

The last time Britain won a World Group tie at home was in March 1986, when Jeremy Bates and John Lloyd led the hosts to a 4-1 victory against Spain.

Captain Leon Smith said: "There are some great memories throughout the years of Great Britain versus the United States, and no doubt both teams will be looking to progress. This is obviously a big tie against very tough opposition who we know very well having played them earlier this year.

"That win was a fantastic upset, and we’ll be looking to try and increase our odds once again and get another win this time on home soil. However, we are very aware that they have a very good singles player in John Isner and the world’s leading doubles pair, and that will make them a formidable team. It will be a tough ask, but it was always going to be that way in the World Group and we’ll be looking to gain full advantage in front of our home support." 

Davis Cup World Group
First-round ties: March 6-8, 2015
Germany v France
Great Britain v USA
Czech Republic v Australia
Kazakhstan v Italy
Argentina v Brazil
Serbia v Croatia
Canada v Japan
Belgium v Switzerland

 

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