‘I don’t expect to play’ – Andy Murray ready for any role at Davis Cup
Andy Murray is prepared to do whatever he can to help Team Great Britain into the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup, whether that involves his participation or not.
As the current British number three, the former world number one is part of the five man Great Britain roster to take on the USA, Kazakhstan and the Netherlands in Glasgow this week as part of the Davis Cup Group Stage.
Murray is ready for singles or doubles and, aged 35 and ranked 43rd in the world, he recognises the shift in his status within the team since leading his nation to the title in 2015.
“It’s a slightly different situation than five or 10 years ago when I was playing Davis Cup, but the job remains the same,” Murray said ahead of the first tie against the USA. “I don’t expect to play. Everyone that is sitting up here deserves the opportunity to compete and if I don’t play at all then I trust the players who go out there will go and do a great job and win matches for us.
“All of us want the same thing, the goal is the same for everyone. Just try and be the best teammate that you can and support everyone. If you get called upon go out there and give it your best and try and get some wins.”
Murray first takes to the court in Glasgow in doubles, alongside doubles world number one Joe Salisbury, who just defended his US Open title alongside partner Rajeev Ram. Ram lines up against the British duo, joined by two-time Major doubles champion Jack Sock.
Long-time Great Britain captain Leon Smith is delighted to have Murray back in the team for the first time since 2019, describing it as a privilege.
“With Andy he’s got not just experience of Davis Cup but everything he has achieved in the game, the way he is on and off the court,” Smith said according to the BBC. “He’s a good friend to all of us as well, to spend time with him is good fun, we see that side a lot.
“He brings a lot. He’s someone all of these guys will have watched for years growing up and looking up as a role model, it’s still the case. He’s given an awful lot to British tennis and world tennis, and he continues to do so.”
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