Tennis: Fleming not daunted by surprise Davis Cup debut

Published on Friday 6 March 2009 09:16

COLIN FLEMING is braced for the biggest match of his life when he makes his Davis Cup debut tomorrow.

The 24-year-old Broxburn-born player, who was working for Scottish Power this time last year, capped a remarkable comeback to the game when he was named in Great Britain's four-man team for this weekend's Euro/Africa Zone tie against Ukraine.

Doubles specialist Fleming quit tennis in 2006 to complete a first-class honours degree in Economics and Finance and only returned to the sport six months ago. But, such has been his remarkable resurgence, he has been entrusted with partnering Ross Hutchins in what will be a crucial rubber at Glasgow's Braehead Arena tomorrow.

Fleming – who is the only Scot on the team – will never have been under as much scrutiny as he will be this weekend. But he already has experience of playing in front of a large, expectant crowd, partnering Jamie Murray at Wimbledon shortly before his sabbatical from the game.

Recalling his Wimbledon experience, he said: "It wasn't a showcourt but there were a lot of people there. I'm really looking forward to playing in front of a lot of people, showing them what I can do and it's particularly nice that it's in Glasgow and Scotland."

Fleming, ranked 289 in doubles, got the nod ahead of James Ward after both travelled to Glasgow as cover for Andy Murray who has a virus. Fleming is one of three rookies in one of the most inexperienced Davis Cup teams Britain has ever fielded.

Captain John Lloyd said: "Last year, I kept seeing Colin winning these doubles tournaments – I think it was six in a row."