No Murray, no worry for Davis Cup Brits

BRITAIN’S Davis Cup team can step out of the shadow of Andy Murray and challenge for Davis Cup glory, according to doubles specialist Joe Salisbury.

The British team get their ambitions under way in Innsbruck against France tomorrow without their long-term talisman.

Murray had already ruled himself out of contention and, as the British No5, said he did not deserve selection.

Salisbury, who will be making his Davis Cup debut this weekend, said: “In the past, all the guys have played a big part in the team but it did feel like Andy carrying the team and having to do well for the team to do well.

“Even without Andy playing, this feels like a strong team – there’s not one person that can’t step up and do well.”

Wimbledon-based Salisbury heads up the team’s double ambitions with Neal Skupski, while Cameron Norrie

Back to work as Emma bids to end on a high

EMMA RADUCANU will make the final tournament appearance of her breakout season at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday.

The British No1 (left), who defied all expectations to win the US Open in September, takes on Romanian Elena-Gabriela Ruse, the world No85, at the Champions of Tennis tournament.

The match is set to be played from 1pm, with Raducanu having prepared for it by taking her first holiday in seven years. spearheads the team in the singles ahead of Dan Evans and Liam Broady.

“This is a really strong team,” said Salisbury. “I think everyone here, all the players have had the best year of their careers. We feel like we can have a good run here.”

Salisbury has picked up three Grand Slam titles this year, while Norrie has climbed into the world’s top 10. Dan Evans won his first ATP Tour title while Liam Broady won his first ATP Challenger title in September.

“It’s not a coincidence that a lot of players have done well this year and following on from other successes,” he said. “You had Emma Raducanu’s win in the US and, soon after, Cam won Indian Wells and Liam won the Challenger event. Those titles motivate and inspire everyone.”

Britain ought to top a Davis Cup group including France, despite it containing the pair that beat Salisbury to the ATP Finals doubles title in Nicolas Mahut and Pierre Hugues Herbert, and the Czech Republic.