Revived Murray is still great value

– Andy Murray will do a “great job” when he continues his comeback from injury at next week’s inaugural Davis Cup Finals in Madrid, British captain Leon Smith said at the weekend.

The former world number one claimed his first ATP title since 2017 last month in Antwerp to raise hopes that he could return to the top of the game despite needing career-saving hip surgery earlier this year.

Murray, who inspired Britain to the 2015 Davis Cup title, will line up alongside his older brother Jamie, Dan Evans, Kyle Edmund and Neal Skupski.

“Andy feels great,” said Smith. “He’s obviously extremely happy to be back in tennis.

“He’s training unbelievably hard to get back to his best position, with great focus.

“If he’s picked to play, then I know he will do a great job on the court. That’s not ego, that’s confidence of course.

“He’s still a very good tennis player, he’s pushing the other guys ahead and at the same time, you realise what he’s gone through.”

Britain, who were handed a wildcard for the first tournament since the old World Group was scrapped, will be favourites to progress from a Group E also featuring Kazakhstan and the Netherlands.

The teams will face off in two best-of-three-set singles matches in each tie, with one doubles rubber.

“We are very lucky to have three very good singles players and really good doubles options,” added Smith, who is expected to choose either Evans or Edmund to partner Murray, now ranked 125th.

“So I’ve got a few things to ponder in the next couple of days, but it’s a good situation. “It wasn’t that long ago that it wasn’t like this and the guys all stepped up even though they were ranked 270, 300, 400 – beating guys 30th, 60th in the world.

“That’s why you have to respect any opposition.” Russia will get the finals underway when they play against Croatia. –