• Davis Cup

GB on course to avoid humilating Davis Cup relegation

ESPN staff
July 9, 2010
Jamie Baker enjoyed his first live rubber win © Getty Images
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Great Britain look set to avoid a humiliating relegation to the bottom tier of world tennis after they stormed into a 2-0 lead in their Davis Cup tie against Turkey.

Jamie Baker got Great Britain off to a flying start with a straight sets victory over Ergun Zorlu, before James Ward grabbed a third career victory against Marsel Ilhan.

Baker gave new captain Leon Smith plenty to cheer about when he raced to a 6-1 6-4 6-1 win.

The world No. 253 broke Zorlu twice to take the opening set, before wrapping up a comfortable victory over the world No 866, but the British No.3 admitted he was nervous before the match.

"It's so good to be playing Davis Cup matches again - better than regular tournaments," he said. "I was slightly nervous and didn't get a great night's sleep, but once I got into the match I hit some inspirational shots."

Baker lost his first Davis Cup match against former world No. 3 David Nalbandian before winning a dead rubber against Agustin Calleri in Argentina in Februrary 2008.

In the second rubber of the day, Ward hailed his return of serve after clinching a 6-2 7-5 6-7 6-1 success. "I had a little blip in the third, but came back strongly in the fourth," he said. "I could have served better, but I definitely returned well, I could have come to the net more - but I was solid from the back."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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