Lloyd backed after Austria loss

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:02

The Wimbledon loss relegated Great Britain from the Davis Cup’s elite World Group and they will learn on Tuesday who they must face in Europe/Africa Zone Group I next year.

Draper told BBC Radio Five Live: “John has done a fantastic job. He took some gambles over the weekend which didn’t pay off. He’s got the support of the team and everyone at the LTA.”

Lloyd must persuade Andy Murray to carry on playing for the British team, which could be a challenge given the world number four has grand slam ambitions for 2009 and ties against minor tennis nations may be unappealing.

Lloyd chose not to select Murray for the doubles on Saturday, citing concern over a minor injury, and Austria capitalised to take a 2-1 lead, which they converted into a 3-2 victory when Alex Bogdanovic lost his second singles rubber of the match.

“We’ve got a good team spirit within the Davis Cup group, John has done a good job with that team,” Draper added.

Lloyd intends to ring Murray as soon as he learns Britain’s opponents in the Europe/Africa zone.

The question will be simple, with Murray to be asked whether he fancies a trip to a country such as Macedonia, Ukraine or South Africa, knowing the responsibility for victory will rest almost entirely on his shoulders.

Draper admitted: “When we’re losing it’s a bitter pill to swallow but we’ll regroup and look forward to the next tie.

“At the end of the day it’s all about winning and our job is to make sure we win the tie in May and get back to the play-off group next September and get back into the World Group for February 2010.”

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