Andy Murray, of Great Britain, returns to Feliciano Lopez, of Spain, at the Sony Open tennis tournament in Key Biscayne, Fla., Sunday, March 23, 2014 (Photo: AP)
Andy Murray will spearhead Britain's challenge in their Davis Cup quarter-final against Italy in Naples next month after being confirmed in the squad on Tuesday.
The Wimbledon champion led Britain to victory in the United States in the first round and will be key to their hopes in a first quarter-final appearance since 1986.
"It will be a good challenge playing on the clay in Italy," Murray said of the April 4-6 tie against a home side featuring claycourt specialist Fabio Fognini.
"They have some very good clay court players with a passionate crowd behind them. It will be a tough weekend and the games will be tight, but it's great playing in big matches like this in the World Group."
Murray, currently trying to defend his Miami title, will be joined in the team by world No. 127 Dan Evans and James Ward (155) with Colin Fleming likely to play the doubles.
Ward produced a stunning five-set victory over Sam Querrey in San Diego as Britain won a World Group tie for the first time in nearly 30 years.
The winners will face Switzerland or Kazakhstan in the semi-finals.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: