SPORT IN BRIEF

TENNIS Dudi Sela launched a rallying call ahead of Israel’s crucial Davis Cup tie against Ukraine at Ramat Hasharon, which gets under way today. Israel must win to avoid being relegated. The winners of the Europe/Africa Group 1 playoff will survive for another year in the Davis Cup second tier group, while the losers will face a playoff against Romania or Austria next month. Sela, who has risen to 67 in the ATP rankings after reaching the second round of the US Open, said: “At home we can raise our level and we want to prove we can beat anyone.” Davis Cup captain Eyal Ran has called up 20-year-old Edan Leshem, who has risen to 261 in the world rankings. Sela will partner veteran Jonathan Erlich in the doubles. The Ukrainians have a strong squad led by Alexandr Dolgopolov, who has risen to 52 after reaching the final 16 of the US Open.