Andy Murray’s Davis Cup presence ‘huge’ for Great Britain, says Leon Smith

Leon Smith feels Andy Murray’s experience and presence will be invaluable as the veteran returns to Great Britain’s Davis Cup team for the group stage of the competition in Glasgow next month.

The 35-year-old will play in the tournament for the first time since 2019 after being named alongside British number one Cameron Norrie, world number 23 Dan Evans and world doubles number one Joe Salisbury in the line-up for matches against the United States, Kazakhstan and the Netherlands at the Emirates Arena.

Although no longer at the peak of his powers after having to battle through various injury problems in recent years, Smith feels former world number one Murray – currently ranked 47 – can still bring plenty to the party.

“Andy wouldn’t want to be picked just on previous (form),” Smith told the PA news agency. “I think, importantly, he’s back in the world’s top 50, he’s fit and he’s healthy. For me, the chance to have Andy in and around the group, plus what the other players can get from him, is really important.

“We spoke many months ago about the Davis Cup and coming here, and he was desperate to be part of it. What he brings, whether it’s in a match itself or what he can do tactically to help the players prepare, is huge for us.

“Throughout his career, for any of our emerging players coming through, Andy takes them under his wing, invites them to training camps, watches their matches and is always there for them. If you ask any of the other players – Dan Evans, Cam Norrie or Joe Salisbury – the one player they still look up to is Andy.”

Although Murray remains the star attraction for supporters, Norrie – who reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon earlier this summer – is now Britain’s most prominent player, with the