TOUGH TO TAKE

Leon Smith would dearly love to have Andy Murray playing in his Davis Cup team in Ottawa next month – who wouldn’t? – but after the world No 1’s shock defeat to Mischa Zverev in the fourth round of the Australian Open on Sunday, he thinks it might be better if he didn’t.

Smith will name his squad today, but whether he lists Murray on the team sheet or not, it does not matter – he can always make changes later. What matters to Smith is that Murray recovers quickly from his loss and stays physically fit to maintain his position at the top of the rankings.

“I can name or not name him. Doesn’t matter,” Smith, the team captain said. “You can still change two out of the team up until Thursday morning [of the tie].

“I think the Davis Cup is a really good way of getting over those defeats: we’re all friends, it’s a really good week. But the matches are still very, very draining, though.when all’s said and done, playing best of five set tennis, it doesn’t matter who it’s against, it’s still tough, it’s still a lot of time on court in a pressure situation. He has to weigh up what’s right for him.

“To be honest, the best thing for his body is probably not to play, in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong,

“I’d love him to play. But, for his own good, it’s better for him to rest up and train and get ready for this next period, because there won’t be much time the rest of the year and this might be a really good time to do it. Because once the Dubai, Indian Wells, Miami tournaments are done [in

0 World No 1 Andy Murray had to pack his bags early after his shock defeat to Mischa Zverev in the fourth round of the Australian Open on Sunday.

“The loss will be really tough to take. He’s No1intheworld, hewasoneofthe favourites here and he’s out in the last 16 – and it’s going to hurt”

LEON SMITH