February 1, 2012 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Photo credit: Kenneth B. Goldberg
Great Britain’s Andy Murray will sit out of the Davis Cup next month against Slovakia. The reasoning behind his absence is due to "a few injuries" that he sustained in his quest during the Australian Open which has just concluded. Murray is fourth-ranked in the world, and lost to eventual winner Novak Djokovic in a five-set match during the Open semis, and claims he needs rest leading up to a busy year ahead which includes the 2012 London Olympics.
British Captain Leon Smith has selected James Ward, Dan Evans, Colin Fleming and Ross Hutchins to play in the Feb. 10-12 matches in the first Davis Cup round of Europe/Africa Zone Group I. The matches will be held in Glasgow, Scotland. Britain defeated Hungary this past September and said "we go into the tie knowing Slovakia will be favorites."