The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has today announced that the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas tie between the Aegon GB Davis Cup Team and Russia will take place at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.
The Europe/Africa Zone Group I second round tie will take place from Friday 5-Sunday 7 April 2013, with the winners to compete in the 16-nation World Group Play-offs from September 13-15. Great Britain secured promotion to Group I during their 2011 campaign and have received an opening round bye in this year's competition.
Leon Smith, Captain of the Aegon GB Davis Cup Team, said: “We are very excited to be taking Davis Cup to Coventry and taking advantage of strong home support. It will be tough against Russia, who are arguably the strongest team in our group, but we'll be giving it our best shot.”
Gavin Fletcher, LTA Tournament Director added: "Both the city of Coventry and the team at the Ricoh Arena have made us very welcome. It’ll be great bringing the Davis Cup back to the Midlands, where we’ve enjoyed tremendous support in the past. I know the team is looking forward to playing in front of a very vocal crowd against Russia."
Jacky Isaac, interim chief executive at the Ricoh Arena, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing world-class tennis to the Midlands by hosting the Davis Cup. We are confident there will be a great crowd at our top-class venue to cheer on Great Britain in their tie against Russia and this is another fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of Coventry on a national and international stage.”
Councillor Phil Townshend, Cabinet Member for Sport, commented: “We have a national reputation for delivering successful events and this will be another high profile one which will attract local residents and people from a wider area who love Tennis. To host sporting events such as this also sits well alongside our stated aim of building on the legacy from being a co-host city for London 2012 as well as encouraging people to take part in sport and physical activity.”
Although the full Aegon GB Davis Cup Team selections haven’t been announced yet, British No.1 Andy Murray will not be competing in the upcoming tie against Russia. Murray said: “It's a shame to miss out on the Davis Cup, as I always enjoy playing. I speak to Leon and the team on a regular basis and will definitely be available to play the next Davis Cup tie later this year.”
Smith, Captain of the Aegon GB Davis Cup Team added: “We totally understand Andy’s position. He has worked extremely hard on his game elevating it to another level and we have all seen the fruits of that since Wimbledon. Andy’s success continues to inspire more and more young people to take up the sport and we look forward to welcoming him back into the team in September.”
Tickets for the tie go on general sale on Monday, February 4th via www.theticketfactory.com/ or on 0844 338 8838. For group bookings please call 0800 358 0058 and for accessible bookings, call 0844 581 0700. Full price tickets start at £17.