• Davis Cup

Murray hits back at Lloyd in Davis Cup row

ESPN staff
March 25, 2010
Andy Murray made his Davis Cup debut in 2005 © Getty Images
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Andy Murray has defended his decision to miss Britain's Davis Cup tie in Lithuania earlier this month, following criticism from former captain John Lloyd.

Lloyd resigned from his role following Britain's defeat to Lithuania, leaving them one defeat from sinking into the bottom tier of world tennis, and he criticised Murray's reluctance to compete.

"I don't see John Lloyd coming out and having a go at [Roger] Federer, [Rafael] Nadal and [Juan Martín] del Potro because they don't play Davis Cup," Murray said. "There needs to be respect and it's not me who's the only one who's not playing Davis Cup all the time."

Murray played in Britain's relegation play-off against Poland in September, where he won both his singles rubbers but Britain lost 3-2, and after he was sidelined for more than a month after aggravating a wrist injury.

"I can understand everyone would like me to play Davis Cup - but the last time I played injured [against Poland] and it set me back," Murray said. "No one talks like that when you don't play [because] you are injured.

"So you need to make a decision which is based not only for the team but for my own career as well. In football, managers get annoyed when players get injured and it stops them playing for their countries, and it's one of those things. You have to weigh up what's best for your career."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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