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Davis Cup: Great Britain v USA Day One Preview and News

By Geoff Nichols

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Davis Cup: Great Britain v USA Day One Preview and News

The Davis Cup World Group first round is upon as and anticipation is building ahead of the rematch between Great Britain and the United States, with Andy Murray and his team causing the upset on American soil this time last year. The tie is set to be played from the 6th to 8th of March in front of capacity crowds in Glasgow, Scotland.

Team captains Leon Smith and Jim Courier have announced their team news ahead of the first day’s play on Friday, with no real surprises sprung by either side. Andy Murray will kick things off against Donald Young, where he will need to keep his emotions in check in what is likely to be a fantastic atmosphere.

Day One – Friday 6th March

Play starts at 1pm GMT

Andy Murray (GBR) v Donald Young (USA)

Donald Young, the second highest ranked American singles player, has shown impressive form at the start of 2015 and he will be aware that if he or John Isner were to upset Andy Murray in the singles, the tie would tip in the United States favour.

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Young recently made it all the way to the final in Delray Beach and has one a match at least at every event he has entered this year. He has always been threatening to breakout and stamp his mark on the tour and at 25 years old, this is a wonderful platform for him to do just that.

The talented American has seen his form show in his ranking of 42 in the world and he has had previous experience of beating Murray, winning their first meeting in straight sets in Indian Wells back in 2011. Since then Murray has turned the head to head back around in his favour, now leading 3-1.

Murray will be wary of the threat Young can pose when he gets some confidence and will be looking for a repeat performance of the corresponding rubber last year, when the Brit came out a comfortable 6-1 6-2 6-3 victor, that coming on his weakest surface.

James Ward (GBR) v John Isner (USA)

The pair met for the only time in a round of 16 match in 2009 at a Savannah Challenger event, where Isner won in two tight sets. This will be a pivotal rubber heading into the weekend and Isner will have to use all his experience of big matches to avoid an upset. 

James Ward’s performances will be have a huge bearing on the tie

Buoyed by the home crowd, Ward has shown in the past that he can raise his came for the Davis Cup, although you would have to think he will have a better chance against Young when the weekend is almost at an end. Either way, Ward’s performances will be have a huge bearing on the tie and hopefully he can deal with the weight of expectation.

Teams

Great BritainUnited States
1: Andy Murray (3)1: John Isner (20)
2: James Ward (108)2: Donald Young (45)
3: Jamie Murray (31, doubles)3: Bob Bryan (1, doubles)
4: Dom Inglot (41, doubles)4: Mike Bryan (1, doubles)
Captain: Leon SmithCaptain: Jim Courier

The middle Saturday of the tie is used for pivotal doubles rubber. Currently the United States have picked Mike and Bob Bryan as their pairing and you would be hard pressed to find a stronger pair on tour. Great Britain have pencilled in Dom Inglot and Jamie Murray, although they can make changes up to an hour before the match.

Be sure to keep an eye on Lob and Smash for the latest Davis Cup action as the first round ties get under way this weekend, with team news, results and opinions over the course of a fascinating three days play.

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