• Davis Cup

Murray stands firm over Davis Cup

ESPN staff
April 13, 2010
Andy Murray is making no guarantees over his participation in the Davis Cup © Getty Images
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Andy Murray has insisted the appointment of his friend Leon Smith as Great Britain's Davis Cup captain will have no bearing on his participation in matches.

The LTA caused something of a shock when appointing the unheralded Smith as the successor to John Lloyd. Smith has no top-flight playing experience, but did coach Murray during the British No. 1's junior career.

Murray has wished his friend well in the role, but warned the LTA that it would be a mistake to assume he would play on account of his relationship with Smith.

"Leon's my friend but I need to still do what's right for me," the 22-year-old said. "If I want to play, I'm playing for the team, it's not that I'm playing because Leon's the captain.

"I hope that was not the reason why he became captain. I don't think that's the way to make a decision on something as big as this."

Great Britain face a play-off against Turkey to avoid relegation to the bottom tier of world tennis and Murray says he will make a decision on his participation nearer the time.

"I'll have to wait and see come July," he said. "But, again, it's a tie that I feel we should be able to win, even if I don't play."

The LTA has insisted the decision to hand the reins to Smith was based entirely on his suitability for the role, as opposed to his ties with Murray.

"We can't deny the fact that Leon's relationship with our No. 1 player is a positive element but that wasn't for me the factor that made the difference," LTA player director Steven Martens said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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