New dad Murray back on court for GB’s Davis Cup clash with Japan

New dad to fly flag for Britain in Davis Cup tie with Japan

Andy Murray will lead Great Britain next week in his first outing since becoming a father, as the team begin the defence of their Davis Cup title with an opening-round match against Japan.

Murray has not played since losing the Australian Open final to Novak Djokovic at the end of January, in order to spend time with his new daughter, Sophia Olivia, who was born on February 7.

The 28-year-old, though, has been named in an initial five-strong group ahead of the first-round clash against Japan, which begins on Friday March 4 at Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena.

Great Britain captain Leon Smith has alsonamedMurray’sbrother, Jamie, Kyle Edmund, Dan Evans and doubles specialist Dom Inglot in the team but will have to trim his selection down to four for the tie.

“Japan have a very strong team, progressed well in recent years and with Kei Nishikori have an established top 10 player,” said Smith.

“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.”

Great Britain became Davis Cup champions for the first time in 79 years in November by beating Belgium in Ghent.

Last season’s astonishing run capped a remarkable rise for a team that was playing in the third tier of the Davis Cup before Smith’s arrival in April 2010.

The younger of the Murray brothers has been the on-court catalyst with a number of inspirational performances en-route to the final, particularly against France at the last-eight stage.

“Andyhasonceagaindemonstratedhis commitment to the team and his country in making himself available to play, especially so soon after becoming a father,” Smith added.

“His outstanding performance at the Australian Open is further evidence that he is one of the world’s best players.”

The winners of the tie will face a quarter-final clash against either Serbia or Kazakhstan from July 15-17.

Meanwhile, Johanna Konta won a seesawcontestagainstAnettKontaveitinthe first round of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel.

The British number one, the fourth seedintheAcapulcoevent, camethrough 6-3 3-6 6-4 in an hour and 44 minutes in the first meeting of the two players.

Picture: Getty Images. Andy Murray with the Davis Cup after their victory over Belgium in Ghent last November.