2004 Sep 23 - Davis Cup: Henman & Rusedski

Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski will line-up in both the singles and doubles against Austria in the Davis Cup World Group Play-off against Austria. So the young guns Alex Bogdanovic and Andrew Murray will be watching from the sidelines unless there are any unforeseen circumstances.

The order of play is as follows:

Friday 24th : Koubek v Henman, Melzer v Rusedski
Saturday 25th : Knowle/Melzer v Henman/Rusedski
Sunday 26th : Melzer v Henman, Koubek v Rusedski

Greg Rusedski is still bitter over the unjust nandrolone drug charges he faced a year ago and is keen to put those memories behind him and get on with what he does best... play tennis.

Greg said:

"This week will be the redemption for me.

"It was this time last year that all the things happened to me that were so negative and so unjust."

"You can only really put things behind you by winning matches, and I'm hoping to do that by taking us a step further, helping us qualify for the World Group.

"This competition has been great for me. It's great to have the opportunity to represent your country and the older you get the more you appreciate that."

There were rumours that either US Open boys champion Andrew Murray and Alex Bogdanovic could start in the British line-up but Jeremy Bates (British Davis Cup captain) has chosen experience over youth in what is a very decisive Davis Cup tie with the winner being promoted to the Elite 16 World Group.

The players have been preparing for the showdown with Austria on the clay courts of La Manga. On spending time with the squad, Andrew said on Radio Four:

"It's been the best four or five days of my life.

"Being on court with Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski is unbelievable."

Tim was upbeat on the British chances of success following the practice sessions at La Manga. He told his personal website:

"The team spirit this week has been outstanding.

"The weather has been great all week and practice has gone really well - none of us can have any complaints about not getting enough court time this week.

"As expected the court is a bit on the slow side but we knew that was going to be the case and we've just got to get on with the job in hand."