Katie Swan starts Great Britain's Fed Cup campaign with victory

Katie Swan became Great Britain's youngest ever player as she got Judy Murray's team off to a winning start in their match against South Africa.

Following Johanna Konta's withdrawal through illness, Murray opted to give the 16-year-old her chance in the singles and Swan responded with a fine performance to continue British tennis' feelgood factor.

Swan, ranked 524th in the world, won 6-3 6-0 against South Africa's Ilze Hattingh to get GB's opening rubber at the Europe/Africa Group I tournament in Israel off to the perfect start.

Heather Watson ensured it was a winning start for the team with a routine 6-3 6-3 victory over world number 317 Chanel Simmonds to give Britain an unassailable 2-0 lead in their opening rubber.

Doubles pairing Jocelyn Rae and Anna Smith make up Murray's team and completed a 3-0 victory with success in the doubles - GB now face Georgia in Pool B as they bid to earn an April play-off for World Group II.

British tennis is riding the crest of the wave at the moment after the men's team won last year's Davis Cup, Andy Murray reached the Australian Open final and Konta memorably made the semi-finals in Melbourne.

Swan is keen to keep the momentum going, telling the Fed Cup website: "British tennis is doing amazing, we have the Davis Cup boys who just won and obviously Jo (Konta) and Andy (Murray) and Jamie (Murray) doing so well in Australia. It's inspired the whole team."

"I was really excited to play but I was also a bit nervous, which was showing in the beginning, but I managed to relax after a few games and I started playing really well.

"It's just amazing to get to play for your country - for me it's the best thing in tennis representing your country."