Ireland handed Austria tie in Davis Cup play-off

Ireland's Davis Cup World Group II win against El Salvador last weekend has been rewarded with a home tie against Austria in the World Group I play-offs next February.

The draw, attended by Irish player and vice-captain Dave O’Hare, was made in London today and pits Ireland against a team ranked number 27 in the world.

The Austrian team in February could feature 2020 US Open Champion and former world number three Dominic Thiem.

It will be the first home Davis Cup fixture for Ireland since 2015.

Irish captain Conor Niland said: "We are delighted to get the opportunity to bring Davis Cup tennis back to Ireland early next year.

"For it to be a Group I play-off is extra special although playing against a quality Austria team, potentially with US Open Champion Dominic Thiem involved would be a big challenge.

"The team and I are still excited after our victory against El Salvador but we will now turn our attention to preparing for the Austrian tie."

O’Hare added: "It is really exciting to think of giving the tennis community in Ireland such a great opportunity to support our team. Last weekend we were thrilled to prevail against an enthusiastic crowd and we just can’t wait to get the chance to perform in front our own supporters."

O’Hare admits to still being on something of a high following a rather special fortnight in his own career.

Just 10 days ago, the doubles pairing he coaches, Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram won their third US Open Doubles title in a row, while last weekend he took to the court himself along with Memphis college student Conor Gannon to win the pivotal match in Ireland’s 4-1 defeat of El Salvador in Sonsonate.

Reflecting on the match, which was played on clay courts in heat of 33 degrees, O’Hare said: "It wasn’t