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EXCLUSIVE
Andy Murray, who is facing a storm of social media criticism for supporting Scottish independence, today received welcome backing from Leon Smith, the Great Britain Davis Cup captain, who confirmed the former Wimbledon champion will spearhead the team in their World Group home tie with the USA on March 6-8 next year.
Smith, a fellow Scot, coached Murray at junior level and has guided the Cup team back into the World elite of tennis thanks to the support of Murray who helped defeat the USA 3-1 in their last meeting in San Diego earlier this year.
Murray broke his silence over which way he wanted last night’s vote in Scotland to go, backing the “Yes” campaign along with brother Jamie, who has also played doubles for Great Britain in previous ties.
Smith told Standard Sport today; “Andy is a very proud Scotsman, but he’s also a very proud Briton who has represented his country with immense passion and pride over the years and will continue do so in the future. We’re very much looking forward to getting our 2015 campaign underway and I know Andy is hugely excited to be part of the team.”
Murray is acutely aware of the social media anger he has attracted but is committed to playing for Britain in the Cup. He told the Daily Mail: ”I will be playing for Great Britain in the Davis Cup next year, that is for sure, I will be there in March. As far as I’m concerned the vote doesn’t change anything in that regard.”
Murray, who has been practising at the All England Club in Wimbledon leaves for China today, where he will play tournaments in Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai in a bid to get back in the world’s top eight and qualify for the year-end Barclays ATP World Tour finals at London’s 02 Arena.
