Murray could still play Canada in Davis Cup despite not being named in Leon Smith's side
BySportsbeat
Published 24/01/2017 at 16:08 GMT
Andy Murray could still play a part in the Great Britain Davis Cup tie with Canada, despite not playing in the World Group first round fixture.
Eurosport
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Kyle Edmund and Dan Evans will play singles in Ottawa, with Jamie Murray and Dom Inglot the doubles players named in captain Leon Smith's side.
With the tie taking place over the first weekend of February, Evans will be fresh from his trip to the final of the Sydney International, and the Australian Open fourth round.
Edmund also made the quarter-finals in Brisbane, before losing in the second round in Melbourne, while Murray senior was dumped out of the first Grand Slam of the year in the opening match of his title defence.
Murray junior is missing the tie after crashing out of the Australian Open to Mischa Zverev in the fourth round.
But Smith, who was also without Murray in last year's second round win over a Novak Djokovic-less Serbia, hinted the Scot could still play in Canada – but that the decision would be left up to the 29-year-old.
"We will continue to speak with Andy in the coming days regarding his potential involvement and if he decides he would like to be part of the team then we can of course change the nominations as necessary," admitted Smith.
"I'm delighted to name the four players travelling for this away tie. First rounds are never easy and this one especially more so with the quick turnaround in conditions and travel from Australia to Canada.
"British Tennis continues to go from strength to strength and the momentum continues to build amongst our elite players continuing to make in-roads up the rankings.
"After Melbourne, for only the second week in the last 39 years, we will have three British men in the ATP World's Top 50 singles rankings, as well as Jamie who ended 2016 as part of the No.1 team."
The Canadian side is likely to include Milos Raonic, Vasek Pospisil and Daniel Nestor – the former facing an Australian Open quarter-final against Rafa Nadal on Wednesday – with Smith recognising the challenge they pose.
"They have vast experience in singles and doubles but we also have a strong team with a proven track record in Davis Cup," he added.
"This should make for a really competitive tie. As always our players and team will give their best efforts in representing their country."
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