“One of the best debuts you’ll have seen”: Understrength Great Britain earn opening Davis Cup win over Finland
Harris and Evans prevailed in their singles ties to hand Great Britain a 2-1 victory
AP/Panoramic
Great Britain have got their Davis Cup Finals campaign off to a winning start, defeating Finland 2-1 on Wednesday at the Manchester Arena in England.
The 2023 quarter-finalists fielded an understrength team in their opening tie of the week, with both Jack Draper and Cam Norrie not in action, plus veteran Andy Murray now retired.
However, world No 101 Billy Harris and No 178 Dan Evans stepped up for their country, gaining excellent singles wins to guide Great Britain to victory over Finland.
In doing so, Evans overtook Murray for the most Davis Cup matches played for Great Britain, having contested 26 now.
Evans took on Eero Vasa and prevailed 7-6 (3), 6-2, while Harris edged Otto Virtanen 6-4, 7-6 (4). Evans then paired with Neal Skupski in the doubles, but was unable to add to Great Britain’s tally, going down 7-6 (4), 7-5 to experienced duo Harri Hellovaara and Virtanen.
“I’m absolutely thrilled for Billy – I think that’s one of the best debuts you’ll have seen. It was that good,” said Leon Smith, captain of the British team.
“If you look at Otto’s record over the past couple of years in the Davis Cup it’s pretty flawless.
“Billy actually could have won in a more straightforward manner – he was absolutely immense. Nothing really kind of fazes him, even though he’s not really been on a big court before.”
Smith even rued the fact that Great Britain weren’t able to clean sweep Finland, considering how tight Group D – which features Canada and Argentina as well – is likely to be.
“It feels disappointing because it is a long day and last year [at the same event] it almost came back to bite us, not getting that 3-0 on the first day,” said Smith.
“But it is a positive day. At the start, when you don’t have Jack and Cameron Norrie – your two highest ranked players – and end up winning a tie 2-1, you’d take that.”
Next up, Great Britain will play Argentina on Friday in Manchester, with Draper expected to be in action for that tie.
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