The nominations for the Great Britain team to face Canada are in and there is a notable absentee. World No.1 Andy Murray is not currently in the selected squad to face Canada.
British Davis Cup Captain Leon Smith announced that the team would consist of Kyle Edmund, Dan Evans, Jamie Murray, and Dominic Inglot.
“I’m delighted to name the four players travelling for this away tie … First rounds are never easy, and this one especially more so with the quick turnaround in conditions and travel from Australia to Canada. British tennis continues to go from strength to strength and the momentum continues to build among our elite players continuing to make inroads up the rankings.
After Melbourne, for only the second week in the last 39 years, we will have three British men in the ATP world’s Top 50 singles rankings, as well as Jamie who ended 2016 as part of the No1 doubles team.
We know the challenge the Canadian team poses – they have vast experience in singles and doubles but we also have a strong team with proven track record in Davis Cup. This should make for a really competitive tie. As always our players and team will give their best efforts in representing their country.”
Despite the British success in recent years, they will be hard pressed to get the win in Ottawa, with Canada as the home team. Canada meanwhile, are expected to name Milos Raonic as their star player. At present though, he is their only representative in the Top 100, though Peter Polansky and former Top 50 player Vasek Pospisil sit just outside.
Though Murray’s absence looks a blow for Great Britain, it should be noted that team nominations are not fixed yet, and can be changed as late as the day before the first tie, so there is still time for Murray to feature, though it looks unlikely at this stage.
