Murray drops Davis Cup hint

Players Under the Microscope / Editor / 15 May 2007 / Leave a Comment

Andy Murray has hinted he may well pick and choose which Davis Cup ties he plays in order to try cut back on his injury problems.

The 20-year-old has suffered with a number of injuries since bursting onto the scene two years ago, with ankle and back problems forcing him to miss a few tournaments.

The Dunblane-born star also suffered with stamina problems, although a period of intense training last winter appears to have helped build up his endurance.

The Scot's argument is that changing surfaces to play Davis Cup matches puts different pressures on various parts of the body, and he blamed Britain's recent match with Holland for the back problem that forced him out of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Great Britain face Croatia in a vital clash in September, where victory will propel John Lloyd's side into the elite World Group, and Murray's presence will be essential if they are to move past the Balkan state at Wimbledon.

The world's top two players - Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal - do not play in all their nation's Davis Cup matches and Murray could be set to follow suit as he aims to continue his march up the world rankings.

"I might have to consider my Davis Cup commitments," he said. "You have to think about the Tour first.

"It's just the way the schedule is and why Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal miss the Davis Cup, because it's a different surface pretty much every week.

"I want to get ready for these tournaments. You just have to decide what the most important thing is to do and what your priorities are.

"It's a huge match for us and I'd love to try and get Britain back into the World Group and I love playing Davis Cup.

"I really enjoyed the last tie. It was a great atmosphere, but it's hard to say what I'll do."

Murray returns to the clay on Tuesday at the Hamburg Masters and trades at 2.32 to beat Filippo Volandri (1.74).

Punters looking to back Great Britain against the Croats will have to keep an eye on whether Murray makes himself available as Greg Rusedski's retirement has left the squad relying on Murray and Tim Henman to face the likes of Croatian stars Mario Ancic and Ivan Ljubicic.