Express & Star

Jack Draper rested for Great Britain’s opening Davis Cup tie against Finland

The 22-year-old has been replaced by Billy Harris, who will make his debut in the competition.

Published
Jack Draper hits a backhand at the US Open

Jack Draper has been rested for Great Britain’s opening Davis Cup match against Finland at the AO Arena.

The 22-year-old arrived in Manchester on Tuesday afternoon following his run to the semi-finals of the US Open but captain Leon Smith has opted to give him extra time to recover, with tougher-looking tests against Argentina and Canada to come this week.

Billy Harris replaces him and will make his debut against Finnish number one Otto Virtanen, while Dan Evans plays Eero Vasa in the opening rubber.

Billy Harris at a press conference in Manchester on Tuesday
Billy Harris will make his Davis Cup debut (Martin Rickett/PA)

By playing in his 26th tie in the competition, Evans has overtaken Andy Murray to claim joint second place in the British standings alongside Mike Sangster and behind only Bobby Wilson.

Finland were surprise semi-finalists last year but have been dealt a major blow by the absence through injury of their number one Emil Ruusuvuori.

Britain must finish in the top two in the group to secure their place at the final eight event in Malaga in November.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.