James Ward interview before the Davis Cup tie against Italy
Leon Smith, Captain of the Aegon GB Davis Cup Team, has named his players to face Italy in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group quarter-final that will take place from 4-6 April 2014 at Tennis Club Napoli in Naples, Italy.
The team will comprise of:
- Dan Evans
- Colin Fleming
- Andy Murray
- James Ward
Ross Hutchins will also travel to Italy as a reserve player.
Commenting on the selections, Leon Smith said: “We have selected our top three singles players for the squad who between them have the most Davis Cup experience which is what we need for this tie. Obviously we are delighted that Andy is playing, and both Dan and James have enjoyed impressive Davis Cup wins over the last few years.
“We also have strong options in doubles. Andy and Colin have enjoyed success together before, having reached the final in Montreal last August and also winning their last Davis Cup doubles rubber against Croatia in September. Ross Hutchins could be brought into the final four depending on what options we feel are best for the tie. Both Colin and Ross also have a lot of Davis Cup experience between them."
Andy Murray, James Ward and Colin Fleming all took part in the 3-1 defeat of the USA in February, whilst Dan Evans returns to the squad after having last played in September 2013 when GB beat Croatia to gain promotion to the World Group. The tie will be Great Britain’s first World Group quarter-final since 1986, and the winner of GB v Italy will play the winners of Kazakhstan v Switzerland in September 2014.
World No.6 Andy Murray said: "It will be a good challenge playing on the clay in Italy. They have some very good clay court players with a passionate crowd behind them. It will be a tough weekend and the games will be tight, but it's great playing in big matches like this in the World Group."
David Macmillan, Chief Marketing Officer, Aegon UK, added: “It’s very exciting that the Aegon GB Davis Cup Team has reached the World Group quarter-final against Italy following the impressive away victory over the USA earlier this year. Leon Smith has selected a strong team and we wish Leon and the players every success in Naples.”
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