Thursday 24 May 2018 14:22, UK
Kyle Edmund has been named in Great Britain's Davis Cup team to face Spain on the Costa del Sol next month.
With three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray injured, Edmund will be the team's No 1 singles player when they try to overcome the hosts, who will start as favourites on their preferred surface clay.
Edmund, the world No 49, will be joined by Cameron Norrie, Liam Broady, Jamie Murray and Dominic Inglot at the Puente Romano Sports Complex in Marbella, from February 2-4.
In-form Edmund is currently enjoying the tournament of his life, after beating the No 3 ranked Grigor Dimitrov to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open in Melbourne.
As for GB's other two singles players, Norrie is ranked No 111, with Broady at 172.
Murray and Inglot will once again form the doubles partnership against a Spain team who have seven players ranked inside the world's top 40.
And GB's skipper Leon Smith understands the difficult task which lies ahead, saying in a statement: "We know the challenge the Spanish team poses.
"They are a world-class team with an impressive Davis Cup record, and with it being played on their favoured clay surface it's going to be an incredibly tough first round.
"Davis Cup ties are always hugely competitive for players and fans, however, as ever, I know our players and support team will give their best efforts in representing their country and will be wearing their GB shirts with pride."
GB, winners of the Davis Cup three years ago, have not taken on Spain for 32 years.
The winners will face either Australia or Germany at the quarter-final stage in April, while the beaten nation will have to play a World Group play-off contest in September, in a bid to remain in the World Group for 2019.
