The Davis Cup quarterfinals have begun in Malaga, Spain. The top players from the eight teams will prepare to play for one last time this season. Few players have been out of the event due to injuries; some big names are missing. Great Britain has seen two players withdraw from the event, which will impact their chances at the Davis Cup.
Great Britain will arguably miss Andy Murray during their quarterfinal match against Serbia. Murray has been the country’s flagbearer in the sport. The former world No.1 suffered a shoulder injury in training, which forced him to opt out of the event. Murray had played singles in the tie against Switzerland two months ago. He won the match in three sets against Leandro Reidi.
All the best in recovery, @andy_murray 💚#DavisCup | @the_LTA pic.twitter.com/mpxCSb2Lsz
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 18, 2023
The British player has effectively ended his season after having played 33 matches. He won 16 of them and last played at the Paris Masters. Murray lost in the first round against Alex De Minaur and even broke his racket in frustration during the three-hour match. It is unclear when Murray will return to the sport as he misses out on a chance to play against Novak Djokovic at the Davis Cup.
Liam Broady is ready to take on huge responsibility at the Davis Cup
Great Britain started having troubles even before the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup. Alongside Murray, Daniel Evans had to withdraw from the event due to an injury. While Joe Salisbury replaced Evans, Liam Broady will fill in for Murray. It will be the chance for Broady to stage an upset at the event, as they will need to pull up the game in singles.
The 29-year-old will be playing in his second Davis Cup tie. He first played in 2018 against Spain; Broady lost the singles match against Albert Ramos Vinolas. Broady or Jack Draper can win a crucial point as Cameron Norrie will lead the attack against Serbia. Great Britain will have a high chance of qualifying if they win a match in singles, as their doubles team looks strong.
“How excited are you to represent your country again?”@Liambroady: YES 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/OLtEV5bOvy
— LTA (@the_LTA) November 20, 2023
Broady was last seen playing on the challenger tour at Helinski two weeks back. He has won 6 matches and lost seven on the ATP tour this season. The world No. 103 had reached the third round at Wimbledon by beating Casper Ruud in five sets. Broady will need to produce his best level of tennis as the team needs a crucial break in singles.