DAVIS Cup tennis will return to Glasgow this September after it was confirmed that the Emirates Arena will host the semi-final tie between Great Britain and Argentina.
Inspired by Andy and Jamie Murray, and their Scottish captain Leon Smith, the British team lifted the trophy for the first time in 79 years in Ghent last November, with this 8,000-capacity East End venue playing host to two victorious, sell-out ties on their run, against first USA then Australia.
Victories against Japan in Birmingham and Serbia in Belgrade mean that Britain's bid to retain the title has already reached the last four stage. While the World No 2 - fresh from his second Wimbledon triumph - opted out of playing the quarter final tie, he is sure to be enticed by the chance to compete again in the city of his birth.
The tie, against an Argentina squad which features a fit-again Juan Martin del Potro and the dangerous Federico Delbonis, will be played the weekend after the US Open final and just three days before the World No 2 features in the inaugural 'Andy Murray Live' charity exhibition event at the SSE Hydro.
“We are delighted to be returning to the Emirates Arena in Glasgow," said Smith yesterday. "We all have amazing memories of our times there last year. Defeating the USA in our first round tie was where our incredible 2015 journey began, and then returning for the semi-final against Australia. I will never forget the unbelievable reception we got in the stadium and from everyone in the city.
“The fans are what make the Davis Cup so special and I know the players will be thrilled to get back in front of that crowd again," he added. "Argentina will be a tough tie, they have world class talent throughout their side, but I know whoever pulls on that GB shirt will give everything for the team and I'm sure there will be some incredible tennis for the fans.”
The two nations have met four times in the competition to date, with Argentina winning the last three encounters. The most recent of these came in Buenos Aires in 2008, when the South Americans took an unassailable 3-0 lead on the second day before closing the tie out 4-1. Having been ousted by Belgium at this stage last year, the Argentines defeated Poland and Italy to book a place in their second successive semi-final.
For the latest news and ticket information please go to www.lta.org.uk/DavisCup or search ‘GB Davis Cup’ and follow @BritishTennis. For all hospitality enquiries please contact Matchpoint daviscuphospitality@matchpoint.co.uk
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