Two top British players on the men’s tour have opted to skip their country’s upcoming Davis Cup clash against Uzbekistan in Glasgow, Scotland.
Andy Murray and Kyle Edmund will both miss the upcoming tie. Former world No.1 Murray has decided to continue his rehabilitation process in America from a hip injury. The 31-year-old has played six tournaments since starting his comeback in June, winning five out of nine matches played. At the US Open he bowed out in the second round to Fernando Verdasco.
“Everyone agreed in the short term that he should continue the very good rehab work which had put him in the really good situation of being able to compete again,” team captain Leon Smith said about Murray during an interview with BBC Radio 5 live.
“If he played Davis Cup then it would take a week of that away.”
World No.16 Edmund is missing the tie to focus on regaining his fitness. The British No.1 has been hindered by a recurring viral illness in recent weeks. Since Wimbledon, Edmund has only managed to win three matches at five different tournaments. Crashing out in the first round of the US Open to Paolo Lorenzi.
“It’s been going on for about five weeks, while I’ve been trying to play matches,” Edmund said about his illness following his US Open exit. “It takes a long time when you’re playing elite-level sport to get [your fitness] back.”
“I don’t really know what it is. There’s a name for it but I don’t really want to say too many details about my illness, but it’s basically put me back quite a bit.” He added.
Filling in the void left by those two players are doubles specialists Jamie Murray and Dom Inglot. Join the duo on the team will be Dan Evans, Cameron Norrie and Jay Clarke. Evans is set to play in his first Davis Cup tie since returning from a doping ban in April. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Clarke will make his debut in the tournament.
“It’s a great opportunity to bring this tie back to Glasgow,” Smith said ahead of the tie. “Emirates Arena is a venue that played a key role in our Davis Cup triumph in 2015 and holds a special place in our hearts.
“This is a chance to celebrate with our home fans and we can’t wait to put on a great performance to thank them for their support over the years.”
Despite the duo of high-profile absentees, Great Britain remains the favourites to win the play-off tie. Uzbekistan has only four players ranked in the top 1000 and Denis Istomin is the sole player in the top 400.
The upcoming tie between the two countries will take place on the weekend of September 14-16.
