'Was it controversial? No’ – Leon Smith defends selection after Great Britain crash out of Davis Cup to Netherlands

Great Britain captain Leon Smith insisted there was nothing controversial about his team selection after a group stage defeat to the Netherlands sealed an early exit in Glasgow on Friday. Daniel Evans got the Brits off to a good start with a singles win over Tallon Griekspor, but Cameron Norrie’s defeat to Botic van de Zandschulp set up a decisive doubles rubber. Ad Home favourite Andy Murray was paired with the top-ranked doubles player in the world, Joe Salisbury, but they were beaten by Wesley Koolhof and Matew Middelkoop in three sets.

Davis CupHeartbreak as Great Britain fall short against the Netherlands13 HOURS AGO Simth’s squad was considered one of the strongest Britain has ever had, with Norrie, Evans and Murray all ranked in the top 50 in singles and Salisbury and Neal Skupski ranked No.1 and No.3 for doubles. Skupski didn’t feature, with Murray partnering Salisbury instead, but Smith defended his selection. «Is it that controversial to put your two highest ranked singles players out there? No,» Smith told BBC Sport.

Heartbreak as Great Britain fall short against the Netherlands Fritz and Paul star as USA battle past Kazakhstan at Davis Cup in Glasgow Longest No. 1 run, Grand Slam streaks: Which Federer records are unbreakable? «Is it controversial to put the number one doubles player in the world out there? No. »Is it controversial to put Andy Murray out there on the court here in Glasgow? I don't think so.