Great Britain Is Back In Davis Cup World Group, But Trouble May Lie Ahead

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 18th September 2013

Great Britain Is Back In Davis Cup World Group, But Trouble May Lie Ahead

epa03853111 Andy Murray of Great Britain reacts during a press conference after losing to Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland during their quarterfinals round match on the eleventh day of the 2013 US Open Tennis Championship at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, USA, 05 September 2013. The US Open runs through Monday 09 September, a 15-day schedule for the first time. EPA/DANIEL MURPHY |

Britain was back in the Davis Cup’s World Group draw today but the nation’s tennis future could be thrown into disarray as Scottish Sports Minister Shona Robison maintains a ‘yes’ vote for independence in the referendum on September 18, 2014 would mean Scotland will press ahead with plans to have Olympic and Paralympic teams at Rio 2016.

It would mean Andy Murray will defend his Olympic gold medal under the Cross of St. Andrew and the British Davis Cup team, that included Scots Murray and Colin Fleming as well as captain Leon Smith in last weekend’s promotion play-off against Croatia, would be broken up.

Up to now Murray has kept his thoughts private on Scottish independence but his mother Judy is a known supporter of Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond who disregarded All England Club Royal Box protocol and famously waved a Saltire flag behind British Prime Minister David Cameron after Murray won Wimbledon in July.

However Andy Murray would not be eligible to vote in the referendum because he is resident in England, his home address being registered as in Oxshott, Surrey.

For Scotland to become an Olympic nation in its own right, it would need to fulfill several criteria. It would have to be an independent state recognized by the international community; have a solid sporting structure, such as national federations and sports clubs, etc.; possess at least five national federations affiliated to the international federations governing sports included in the program of the Olympic Games.

But Robison insisted Scotland meets such criteria and cited the example of Montenegro when adding being recognized by the United Nations as an independent nation wouldn’t be an issue.

“We’re comfortable and assured Scotland will have its own Olympic and Paralympic team,” said Robison. “It will bring many benefits.”

In response to Robison’s claims, the British Olympic Association (BOA) said it would wait until the results of the referendum to address the issue.

“At this point in time, Team GB comprises athletes from all four home nations,” said a BOA spokesperson. “Many athletes, including Scottish ones, have contributed to our Olympic success and we always strive to recognize the valuable contribution made by the home nation’s athletes.

“Until the referendum has been held, we won’t know the outcome and possible consequences for a British Olympic team. Once we have those facts, we will address them.”

Topics: 10sballs.com, Andy Murray, Colin Fleming, Davis Cup, Leon Smith, Tennis, Tennis News