Dan Evans sends Davis Cup message to Andy Murray amid retirement talk
Dan Evans believes he should play for Great Britain when they take on Australia, Switzerland and France in the Davis Cup later this month and he has sent a message to Andy Murray to remind him that he still has a big role to play.
Leon Smith’s Great Britain side are set to play their Davis Cup Finals matches in front of sell-out crowds in Manchester, with Evans, Murray and Cameron Norrie already named in the team for matches that will take place in mid-September.
Jack Draper could also be added to the team after his impressive return to form at the US Open and a downbeat Murray suggested he may not play as he does not justify a place in the team on his current form.
Murray’s US Open hopes ended in disappointing fashion as he was well beaten by Grigor Dimitrov in the second round and he suggested he does not expect to play Davis Cup given his recent performances.
“Obviously the plan was to play Davis Cup, but if I’m being honest, you know, the other guys deserve to play ahead of me,” said Murray after his defeat in New York.
“I know it’s obviously probably a difficult situation for Leon with Jack (Draper). He’s had quite a few injuries coming in, but if he’s fit and healthy, he’s obviously playing very well.
“You know, Cam and Evo, you know, Evo has had a great run in Washington. So yeah, we’ll see about Davis Cup and what happens there.
“I think there is probably a chance that I’m not on the team. Yeah, see where I go from there.”
Evans was not impressed with those comments from Murray and confirmed he has reached out to the Scot to ensure he remains a part of the Davis Cup team for this month.
“I think I should play, that’s what I would say!” said Evans with a smile.
“It’s healthy. Jack is playing well, there is nothing wrong with Andy’s tennis. If Andy is our No 2 (player), try beating Andy Murray at No 2.
“I texted him the other day. I saw his comments and told him we need you in the team.
“We are a way better team with Andy in the team, me in the team, Jack Draper in the team. If they don’t want to play there is nothing we can do.
“If I don’t play singles so be it. It’s going to be a good team. There is no one playing poor tennis and that is different from the past.
“Also, Davis Cup should not be selected on one week (of results). Cam Norrie is not playing badly because he has lost a few matches and Jack Draper doesn’t walk into the team because he has won a few matches here (at the US Open).
“I won two good matches here, but it doesn’t mean I’m going to walk into the team on day one against Australia.”
Tickets for the Davis Cup ties in Manchester have been selling fast, with the demand to watch tennis rising around the world.
The USTA have suggested crowds at this year’s US Open in New York are the biggest they have ever known in the history of the tournament, with the appetite from fans rising as a new generation of star names capture the imagination.
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