Andy Murray says he is unlikely to play for Great Britain in Davis Cup against Serbia
Monday 11 July 2016 12:17, UK
Wimbledon champion Andy Murray says he is "unlikely" to play in Great Britain's Davis Cup tie against Serbia next weekend.
The 29-year-old played a starring role last year as Great Britain lifted the Cup for the first time since 1936, and he has helped the side to the quarter-finals this year.
However, fresh from claiming the second Wimbledon title of his career on Sunday, Murray has announced that he is likely to miss the upcoming tie in Belgrade, although he will travel alongside the team in order to offer his support.
Murray was named in the Great Britain team last week but has always said that he will make a final decision based on how he felt at the end of Wimbledon.
And, asked on Monday morning if he would be playing next week, he said: "I spoke to (GB captain) Leon (Smith) last night at the ball briefly. I'm genuinely calling him after here.
"I'd say it's looking unlikely. But, even if I don't play, I'm still probably going to go anyway, just to be there with the team.
"Leon was flying this morning and I'll chat to him this afternoon to make a final decision."
Great Britain's team is therefore set to be led by Kyle Edmund, who became the new British No 2 on Monday at 67 in the rankings, and the squad also includes Dan Evans, James Ward, Jamie Murray and Dom Inglot.
World No 1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia has already confirmed that he will not be playing in the Davis Cup clash and Serbian No 2 Viktor Troicki will also be absent.
World No 81 Dusan Lajovic will lead the Serbia side, and he will be joined by Filip Krajinovic, Janko Tipsarevic and Nenad Zimonjic.
Murray may not be in action next weekend but expects to be busy over the remainder of the year as he he looks to build on his Wimbledon success.
"I think after (winning) Wimbledon last time (in 2013), the few months afterwards, motivation was difficult," said Murray.
"I don't see that being an issue this time.
"I am obviously happy to win again but there is a reason I wanted Ivan (Lendl, coach) back as part of my team. I feel very, very motivated.
"Having won here again gives me a big lift. Hopefully, through to the end of this year and beyond it, I can win some more slams."
