NEC Group hoping Murray mints it for Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM tennis fans will get the chance to get up close and personal with Britain’s number one Andy Murray when he joins the Great Britain team to defend the Davis Cup in the city next month.

Murray, together with his brother Jamie and Birmingham’s own Dan Evans have all been named by The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) in the Great Britain squad to contest the first round of the famous tournament when it comes to the Barclaycard Arena on March 4.

The team in full, which will be led by captain Leon Smith, is: Andy Murray, Kyle Edmund, Jamie Murray, Dominic Inglot and Dan Evans.

The final selection will be announced at the draw on March 3.

Leon Smith said: “I’m delighted to name the five players for this first round match. It will be a test for us but I’m confident in our team and I’m sure when the guys pull on their GB shirt they will give their all.

“We are lucky to have another home tie and it’s exciting to be returning to Birmingham. Our fans give us incredible support and we look forward to more of the same.”

Phil Mead, managing director of NEC Group Arenas said: “With an action-packed three days ahead, it is with great pleasure we welcome Leon Smith and his side to the Barclaycard Arena.

“This marks the welcome return of the Davis Cup to Birmingham and in particular the Barclaycard Arena which has been a popular venue for the event in the past. Birmingham has a rich sporting heritage and the arena will set the stage for a great match, and hopefully a further victory for Great Britain following the team’s success so far this year.”

Great Britain will face Japan for the first time since 1931 and the Birmingham tie is only the third between the two nations. The tie is also the first time the British team have taken to the court since they lifted the Davis Cup in Ghent, Belgium last year – their first title in 79 years.

The tie is another test of Birmingham’s ability to stage major sporting events.

The importance of sport to the city’s wider economy has been seen on several occasions over the last year with Ashes Test Matches at Edgbaston and rugby internationals staged at Villa Park during last year’s World Cup.