Smith says team are 'very positive' about upcoming tie

Under the leadership of the new captain Leon Smith comes the start of what British tennis hopes as the turning point of their fortunes within the Davis Cup.

Jamie Baker, James Ward and a doubles pairing of Colin Fleming and Ken Skupski have been selected by the Scot to attempt to end Britain’s baron run of victories and stop the nation from slipping into the lowest division of the competition for the first time when they begin their tie over Turkey tomorrow. (click here to see the GB team entering the stage)

“I think we are all very positive about how we have been getting on as a team and the work we have been putting in, said Smith.

“We are relaxed but focused at the same time and we are really looking forward to the challenge, enjoying it actually.”

The enjoyment might well come from the fact that other than Marsel Ilhan, a player just outside the top 100, Turkey have little to offer Britain in terms of a potential upset.

The other two participants on the Turkish team sheet include Ergun Zorlu and Haluk Akkoyun, both of whom are mere novices within the world of tennis.

Zorlu, who is ranked at 866 in the world, has no experience on grass and appears to be settled working towards a degree rather than concentrating on the tennis circuit. Meanwhile, doubles specialist Akkoyun is not much different in terms of quality but does have plenty of Davis Cup experience behind him.

Another advantage for Britain is that Jamie Baker was pulled out the bag first, so he should be able to get the team off to a good start by dispatching Zorlu. The match will then hinge on Ward’s rubber against the talented Ilhan.

The 23-year-old Londoner, who has a winning record against him said: “He is a good player. He has done well in the big events, especially in the qualifiers in the last few grand slams and he likes the big stage rather than the other tournaments so I am sure he is going to play well this weekend so me and Jamie have just got to be ready for it.”

The hope of a first 5-0 whitewash for the first time since Portugal in 2001 is perhaps a long shot at this point but the thought of defeat is unthinkable and Smith, who will be embarking on the biggest moment of his tennis career, is not even contemplating that outcome.

“I've really enjoyed the preparation so far and I am looking forward to the tie. The guys have been excellent, working hard, specifically on their game. I have a lot of belief in this group and feel their best years are ahead of them,” said the proud Scot.

“We don't think about the outcome, we're using this week not just to practice, but to improve. We're clear on our strategy. Hopefully it's the start of moving back up. It's all about us as a team. We're all together on this, we're motivated and ready to go.”