Andy Murray and GB to face USA in baseball ground

ANDY Murray could find himself in a whole new ballpark after reports emerged this morning that the Davis Cup match between the United States and Britain will be played at Petco Park - home of Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres.

Andy Murray has enjoyed his involvement with Britain in the Davis Cup and is set to play in San Diego next year. Picture: Jane Barlow

The venue for the eagerly awaited first round tie from 31 January to 2 February is expected to be confirmed later today at a joint press conference between The Padres, the US Tennis Association and the San Diego Sports Commission.

The tennis court is expected to be set up in the outfield at the 42,000-seat facility.

The teams met in the first ever Davis Cup match in 1900, with the Americans going on to win the event a record 32 times.

Britain - captained by Murray’s fellow Scot Leon Smith - are back the world group for the first time since 2008, their prospects boosted by the return of Scotland’s Wimbledon champion.

Murray returned to the Davis Cup fold after a two-year absence in September and his star quality helped Britain back into the elite World Group, inspiring his team-mates to a memorable win over Croatia.

As Britain celebrated their achievement, Murray indicated that he was eager to play a key role in future ties, although he has since undergone surgery for a back problem and is currently in the midst of a complicated rehabilitation programme.

Murray has not yet set a date for his return to action, but an exhibition event in Barbados at the end of November is one possibility before he heads to Miami for his regular winter training programme. If all goes smoothly, he should be fit for the first Grand Slam event of the year - the Australian Open in January.