Davis Cup Preview: The British stars who could overcome Uzbekistan
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Norrie and Inglot take centre-stage for crucial tie
Great Britain face Uzbekistan in the Emirates Arena in Glasgow as they look to secure a place to the Davis Cup World Group.
They come into this vital play-off tie with their fate still to be decided after a loss to Spain in February.
But Leon Smith won’t be able to call upon big hitters Kyle Edmund and Andy Murray who are both out through injury.
The Uzbeks may be on a 10-match losing streak but have Denis Istomin in their team, one of the most seasoned professionals in the game.
This will be a test for the relatively inexperienced British side and the Coral News Team look at the men who will have to step up to the plate…
Cameron Norrie
At 70 in the world he is the highest ranked player in the team and beat No.23 Roberto Bautista-Agut on his debut in the defeat Spain earlier this year.
The 23-year-old has also tasted success over Jeremy Chardy and Nick Kyrgios on his way to three World Tour 250 series’ semi-final.
He also beat the hard-hitting John Isner in 2018 and will be a big threat to the Uzbek team.
Jay Clarke
Clarke is the rising star on the scene right now. The 20-year-old made his ATP main draw debut at Queens earlier this year and was given a wildcard into Wimbledon in July.
He is also very adept in the doubles, reaching the mixed doubles semi-finals at Wimbledon alongside Harriet Dart.
Clarke should show his burgeoning quality here.
Jamie Murray
Murray will be a star turn here, especially after his recent mixed doubles US Open win alongside Bethanie Mattek-Sands.
The two- time mixed-doubles Wimbledon champ will be hoping his partnership with Dominic Inglot will prove fruitful.
The pair’s face-off against Istomin and Farrukh Dustov could be pivotal.
Daniel Evans
It’s been a test of Dan Evans’ mentality since returning from a year-long drugs ban in April 2018.
After calling this episode a ‘life ruiner’, Evans is champing at the bit to return to his best form.
A former Davis Cup winner, he has plenty of experience in this format but will need to improve on his record on the hard courts to keep GB on track.
Dominic Inglot
Inglot has become a mainstay of the team, forging a productive partnership with Murray.
Another 2015 Davis Cup winner, Inglot has had a storming 2018 winning three Doubles titles and made the semi-finals of Wimbledon in the same discipline.
His nous and know-how will be crucial for the team to make it to next year’s World Group.
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