Andy Murray Joins Other Stars in Skipping Davis Cup Ties

Written by: Staff on 1st February 2012

Andy Murray Joins Other Stars in Skipping Davis Cup Ties

Andy Murray of Britain returns to Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 23 January 2012. EPA/BARBARA WALTON |

The commitment of the leading players to Davis Cup in 2012 took another blow when Andy Murray, Australian Open semi-finalist declared himself unavailable for Britain’s return to the Euro/Africa Zone Group One tie against the Slovak Republic in 11 days time.

Murray followed the trend set by Rafael Nadal, who late last year declared he would be missing all of Spain’s Davis Cup matches this year, and Novak Djokovic, who insists he will only miss Serbia’s first round World Group tie with Sweden.

The 24 year old Scot informed his former coach and current British captain Leon Smith of his decision, even though the tie (February 10-12) is being played at Murray’s venue of choice, Glasgow’s Braehead Arena.

“I’ve been told to take a few weeks off after picking up a few minor injuries in Australia,” said Murray. “I’m gutted to miss out on the Davis Cup having really enjoyed playing last year, but as it’s only the start of an important season, which includes the Olympics in London, it’s probably a sensible decision”.

In addition, Murray’s new coach Ivan Lendl has made it clear he would like Murray to spend a couple of week’s practicing in Miami before the Scot returns to the ATP World Tour for the Dubai Duty Free Championships beginning on February 27.

Murray added: “My focus in 2012 is on performing well in the Grand Slams and the London 2012 Olympics. I look forward to playing in the next Davis Cup tie later in the year.”

In Murray’s absence, Smith has recalled 296th ranked Dan Evans, who has lost all his four previous singles rubbers, and named him alongside James Ward and the doubles team of Colin Fleming and Ross Hutchins

Smith said: “This is a real step-up in standard for the team, and we go into the tie knowing the Slovak Republic will be favorites. But I am confident the boys will see this as a great chance to put everything into representing their country, and that with the backing of a fantastic set of home fans, we can upset the odds.”

Topics: Andy Murray

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