‘Kyle Edmund and Dan Evans are ahead of Andy Murray right now,’ says Davis Cup captain Leon Smith
Great Britain Davis Cup captain says that Andy Murray is not getting selected for ties because he is currently below the level of Dan Evans and Kyle Edmund.
Murray played in GB’s first rubber of the competition, winning his singles rubber against the Netherlands. However, he has not been used in either of the two ties since.
And, after sitting out Britain’s 2-0 quarter-final win over Germany, Smith explained his star name’s absence.
“Where Kyle and Evo are at is ahead of where Andy is just now,” said Smith.
“And when you’ve got two very, very good players like Kyle and Evo that are ready to go, then that’s what we do.”
“We’ve got a really good squad. The players’ rankings are going up. They’re all established on tour. I think it’s great.
“I really liked seeing how Andy supports the guys as well today. He genuinely wants everyone to be up in the rankings, doing well, supporting each other.
“And I think it’s a good feeling for everyone. We know it’s not just about Andy.
“He’s still a massive part of what we do, and of course he’s going to be. But it gives everyone confidence when people can step up and develop.”
The only disappointment in the win over Germany was the size of the crowd, which appeared noticeably smaller than for Britain’s two group matches – a concern Murray had raised ahead of the event.
Andy Murray posts an appeal to Brits in Madrid, offering tickets for tomorrow night’s semi-final… #DavisCupFinals pic.twitter.com/zWor4D8Erz
— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) November 22, 2019
The Scot put a message on Instagram on Friday night offering tickets to British fans wanting to attend the semi-final, with the Lawn Tennis Association attempting to boost the numbers.
The LTA, which will receive more than £500,000 in prize-money from this event, has invested a five-figure sum in buying blocks of tickets.
“The LTA has answered the team’s call and secured as many tickets as they could for British fans for tomorrow’s semi-final tie,” and LTA spokesman said.
The victory over Germany also means Britain are guaranteed to be back in Madrid next year, with semi-finalists exempted from March’s play-off round.
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