Davis Cup returns to Braehead for Slovakia tie

Great Britain’s Davis Cup side will return to Glasgow’s Braehead Arena for the third successive tie when they face Slovakia in Europe/Africa Zone Group I in February, the Lawn Tennis Association announced yesterday.

Competing in Glasgow has brought rewards so far for Leon Smith’s side, who beat Luxembourg in July and then secured promotion back to the second tier of the competition with a 5-0 victory over Hungary last month.

Crucially, world No 3 three Andy Murray has played in both those matches and Smith will hope another chance to compete on home soil will persuade the Scot to make himself available again at a busy time of the season.

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The British captain said: “We’re really looking forward to returning to Glasgow as we know from previous experience that Braehead provides a great venue with a really supportive atmosphere. Next year will be a real step up in terms of the level of competition, so it will make the home advantage all the more important.

“Slovak Republic will be tough to beat but, if we get a full house behind us again, there’s no reason why we can’t get off to a winning start.”

The winners of the tie, which takes place from 10-12 February, will face Belgium in July, with the carrot of a place in the World Group play-offs awaiting the victors.

Meanwhile, Anne Keothavong continued her fine run of form by beating top seed Mona Barthel 6-3 7-6 (8/6) to reach the final of the AEGON GB Pro- Series tournament in Barnstaple yesterday.

The British No 3, who qualified for the main draws at successive WTA Tour events in Linz and Luxembourg, plays Poland’s Marta Domachowska in the final.