Murray Was In Miami, But His Heart Was In Great Britain

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 9th April 2013

Sony Open tennis tournament on Key Biscayne, Florida

Murray Was In Miami, But His Heart Was In Great Britain

epa03646366 Andy Murray of Great Britain returns the ball against David Ferrer of Spain during their men's final match at the Sony Open tennis tournament in Miami, Florida, USA, 31 March 2013. Murray defeated Ferrer in a third set tie-breaker EPA/RHONA WISE |

Andy Murray may have still been in Miami last weekend after declaring himself unavailable for Britain’s Davis Cup Euro/Africa Zone Group One tussle with Russia that turned into one of the nation’s most unlikely but memorable sporting comebacks. But the world no.2 made sure he involved himself in the team spirit in Coventry.

Murray, who insisted it was more important for him to have a few days of rest after winning the Sony Open title and then begin his clay court preparations, watched the entirety of Sunday’s two singles wins by James Ward and Dan Evans on a live internet feed courtesy of the Lawn Tennis Association.

And Murray, who insists he will be available for national duty in September when Britain goes into a World Group play-off, was repeatedly telephoning and texting his support to captain Leon Smith and the rest of the team.

“The main theme was how proud Andy was of the boys, the way they were playing and the job they were doing,” Smith said. “You could see how pumped the team were to know that he was following the whole thing from America and what they were doing meant a great deal to him.”

Murray has only played in two of Britain’s last eight ties but will clearly walk straight back into the team with unlikely hero Evans, the world no.324 who beat 80th ranked Evgeny Donskoy in straight sets to clinch the decisive fifth rubber, the man most likely to make way.

Evans was only preferred to the higher ranked and more experienced Jamie Baker on the eve of the tie. The Birmingham born 22 year-old who had his funding from the LTA withdrawn last year for a perceived lack of effort, said: “Dropping people in any sport is hard and I’m grateful to Leon for having that difficult conversation.

“This time it worked but next time, if I’m not playing well, then that conversation might come to me and that’s fine.”

On Friday, Evans will be back in action at the distant British tennis outpost of Sunderland, playing for his county Warwickshire in front of a handful of spectators in National Premier League Finals at the Virgin Active Club Wearside.