British captain Smith extends his contract

Davis Cup-winning captain Leon Smith has extended his contract and will lead the Great Britain team for at least another three years.

The Scot succeeded John Lloyd in 2010 after Britain suffered the ignominy of defeat by Lithuania and were on the verge of relegation to the competition’s bottom tier.

Five years later Smith achieved what had appeared impossible and guided his country to a first Davis Cup title in 79 years with victory over Belgium.

After signing a deal until the end of 2018, which will also see him remain as the Lawn Tennis Association’s head of men’s tennis.

Smith said: “It is a huge honour and privilege to continue captaining our Davis Cup team.”

Smith – Andy Murray’s childhood coach – has previously expressed a wish to coach on the tour but insisted he never considered leaving a role he clearly loves.

A quarter-final against Novak Djokovic’s Serbia in July will be the pair’s biggest test yet.

Smith, who has lost only two of his 15 ties, said: “I’m really excited at the opportunity to continue working with this group of players, support staff and, of course, our fans.

“Our Davis Cup journey has captured the imagination of so many people across the country and I’m looking forward to using our Davis Cup successes as a way to get more kids playing tennis.”

Keeping hold of Smith is a coup for the LTA, and chief executive Michael Downey said: “As I said after Leon led the Great Britain team to the title in Ghent, we are lucky to have the world’s best Davis Cup captain lead our nation.

“We are delighted to extend his contract further as we continue to build on this run of success.”

Davis Cup winning captain Leon Smith has extended his contract.