Promotion for GB Davis Cup captain Smith

LEON Smith, Great Britain’s Davis Cup captain, has been handed an expanded role by the Lawn Tennis Association.

Head of men’s tennis since 2010, it emerged yesterday that Smith will become head of men’s and women’s tennis, and retains his Davis Cup post.

Greg Rusedski, the former British No 1 who recently guided GB to their first Junior Davis Cup title, has agreed a new four-year contract. He will continue to work with 15 to 18-year-old boys, while James Trotman is set to join the men’s coaching team.

Smith takes over as head of women’s tennis at the LTA following Nigel Sears’ recent departure to become coach of Serbian former world No 1 Ana Ivanovic.

“I am very fortunate to be working already with a fantastic team of coaches and player support staff, and my priority now will be to work with Iain Bates [LTA women’s tennis manager] to recruit a new head coach for women’s tennis, as well as a new captain of the GB Fed Cup team,” said Smith.

LTA chief executive Roger Draper said: “I am confident we have a world-class team in place.”