Team GB star Dan Evans admits Andy Murray is a big miss from the team following his retirement.
Evans, who partnered the Scotsman at the recent Paris Olympics, won his opener for Great Britain against Finland, beating Eero Vasa 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 to make it 1-0 in the best-of-three Group D tie.
It wasn’t a vintage performance from the 34-year-old, but he did enough to get his nation off to the perfect start after Jack Draper was rested following his run to the semi-finals of the US Open.
Murray was absent for the first time other than injury following his final bow in Paris, and it has had an impact according to Evans.
Speaking after his match, he said: “It’s very different, on the court but also in practice.
It’s a big hole but we have a great team and to come through this group it’s not like we don’t have good players to fill his space.
Great Britain open with a win! 🔥
Dan Evans straight set win gives the @the_LTA a 1-0 lead in the tie! 🙌#DavisCup pic.twitter.com/0q4a0WOvdP
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) September 11, 2024
“He’s a massive miss and we wish he was still playing but hopefully he’s watching on the TV.
“Difficult match, he played great at the start I knew he’d come out and play aggressive.
“This court helps that. I found it a little tough for quite a long time to get the ball striking there.
“He did a great job of rushing me. I started to play a bit better in the second and really well at the end.
“A big thank you to everyone for coming out, we really appreciate it.
“You’re a great crowd and it really makes the occasion, helps us so much.
“We love playing here and hopefully no more epics this week. Two sets to love and out of here.”
Following Evans’ win, Billy Harris followed up with a 6-4 7-6 (7-4) win over Otto Virtanen.
It marked a perfect start for Team GB as they embarked on their latest journey to win the Davis Cup.
