Daniel backed for Davis Cup call-up

Daniel Smethurst - deserves Davis Cup place

ANDY MURRAY’S former coach Mark Petchey insists the British No.1 should stand down from Davis Cup duties with immediate effect and make way for the likes of Failsworth youngster Daniel Smethurst.

The 19-year-old currently sits 434th in the world rankings – 430 places behind Murray - having enjoyed a breakthrough year that saw him claim two ITF Futures tournaments on clay in Belgium and Portugal.

Smethurst, a former Failsworth Sports College pupil, defeated Morocco’s Rabie Chaki 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 in August before battling back to down France’s Benoit Paire 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 to claim a European double.

Despite his successful year, the British No.7 was overlooked as Britain were relegated to group two of the Davis Cup Euro-Africa Zone – despite Murray’s presence – and Petchey insists that should end the Scot’s chapter and begin Smethurst’s.

“I don’t think Andy should play Davis Cup next year,” said Petchey, who was in London to promote Barclays Ball Kids - a nationwide search, now recruiting, to find ball boys and girls for the next year’s World Final in London.

“He’s going to get nothing out of it and he shouldn’t have to change his schedule to travel all over the place. And if that happens there is a fantastic chance for Daniel to step up and get that international experience.

Great Britain captain John Lloyd overlooked Smethurst for a place in February’s play-offs to narrow down the candidates for the Davis Cup rounds in March and September.

But former Wimbledon winner Goran Ivanisevic has echoed Petchey’s comments and urged the LTA to look beyond Murray and give youngsters like Smethurst a chance.

“If Murray doesn’t play, then it is a chance of some of the other players to have international experience and that is what young guys like Daniel need,” said Ivanisevic.

“There needs to be more players out there who can move up because the LTA makes a lot of money and they need to start making new players.

“They cannot rely on Andy Murray for the next ten years because that’s no good. It’s a big opportunity for the younger guys and they’ve got to take it.”