Evans leads off for GB
Evans first out as GB bid to upset Slovak Republic
Last Updated: February 9, 2012 3:34pm
Dan Evans: Has yet to win a point in his four-match Davis Cup career
Dan Evans will lead off for Great Britain in Friday's Davis Cup tie against the Slovak Republic in Glasgow.
World number 276 Evans, who is 0-4 in Davis Cup play, will face Lukas Lacko, a player ranked more than 200 places higher, in the first rubber.
"At this level there are very strong tennis nations with good strength in depth, and it's what we aspire to so it's important that, with or without Andy, we get a chance to play against them."
Leon Smith Quotes of the week
They will be followed onto court at the Braehead Arena by British number two James Ward who will take on Martin Klizan.
Ward is leading the British bid in the absence of Andy Murray, who has been advised to rest following his Australian Open exploits, and a victory for him on Friday is sure to be targeted by the British team.
Scottish star Colin Fleming will link up with regular partner Ross Hutchins for Saturday's doubles rubber. They are due to take on Filip Polasek and Michal Mertinak - the reverse singles will follow on Sunday.
Tough task
Both Slovak singles players are ranked higher than Great Britain's, so the home side face a tough task on their return to Europe/Africa Zone I - the second tier of the global competition - following last year's promotion.
Leon Smith's side must win to keep their hopes of a return to the World Group in 2013 alive.
"It's a very tough tie and it's going to be difficult because their players are very much in form, especially the number one Lacko, who's had a tremendous start to the year," he said.
"Actually that's good for the crowd to have someone like that coming here, he's a world-class player.
"At this level there are very strong tennis nations with good strength in depth, and it's what we aspire to so it's important that, with or without Andy, we get a chance to play against them.
"Someone who's young like Dan Evans has got to learn, if he's got ambitions to climb up the rankings and be at this level, this is it, this is who he's got to play against, so I think it's a good opportunity.
"Expectations need to be realistic about where we are at this weekend. We can win it but it's going to be very tough. I want the guys to go out very well prepared, know what they're trying to do tactically, execute the best they can and see where it takes us."
