Tuesday 10 April 2018 12:57, UK
Great Britain face a home tie against Uzbekistan in the Davis Cup World Group play-offs as they look to retain their spot at the highest level of the tournament.
After losing their first-round clash to Spain in February, Leon Smith's team will be back in action in September when a win will be required if they are to continue their five-year stay at the elite level.
It is a kind draw and a first home tie since 2016 for Britain, who had to do without Kyle Edmund and Andy Murray for the 3-1 defeat to Spain when Cameron Norrie and Liam Broady played the singles matches.
Norrie produced some inspired tennis to come from two sets down to beat Roberto Bautista Agut before losing in four to Albert Ramos-Vinolas.
The opposition from Uzbekistan will be led by Denis Istomin, the world number 83 and the only Uzbek player ranked in the top 300. Sanjar Fayziev (382) is their next highest raked player and the only other man in the top 500.
Murray and Edmund, now the British No 1 with Murray's injury problems seeing him drop down to 30 in the latest rankings, could both potentially be available for the tie from September 14-16.
Should Britain stay in the World Group for 2019, they could be part of the proposed new World Cup-style Davis Cup held over one week at the end of the season, which will be voted on at the International Tennis Federation's AGM in
August.
Davis Cup World Group Play-Offs draw
Britain v Uzbekistan
Argentina v Colombia
Austria v Australia
Switzerland v Sweden
Serbia v India
Canada v Netherlands
Hungary v Czech Republic
Japan v Bosnia
