2005 Mar 07 - Davis Cup: Felgate wants more

David Felgate (LTA Performance Director) was pleased with the Great Britain victory over Israel (3-2) in the Davis Cup but now he expects Andrew Murray and David Sherwood to improve on their world rankings. He told BBC Sport:

"They need to take this opportunity and push on.

"They need to go out and do the business week in, week out. That's the challenge for these guys."

Young guns Andrew and David were selected for the doubles rubber where they claimed an impressive victory on their debut.

"Other countries will be looking at the result and thinking 'how did that happen?'

"You couldn't be anything but impressed. I always think how you perform in your first match in your first tie is crucial for the future."

Due to the Davis Cup retirement of Tim Henman, it was down to Greg Rusedski to take charge, and he did so by securing wins in both singles rubbers.

"With Tim out, Greg's stepped up to the plate.

"He's taken some of the youngsters under his wing and led from the front."

The importance of the win against Israel means that Great Britain still have a chance of breaking into the Elite 16 World Group if they negotiate a qualification match in September.

"There will be some very tough teams in the draw, but we've got the right spirit, and if we get the right draw, who knows?"

"We've got about six months for the Murrays and the Sherwoods to continue to improve and for the other players out there to try and get in the team.

"The team has a different feel now and there are places up for grabs.

"There is great team spirit and it's been building over the last year and a half.

"The difference is now, this isn't just a team that comes together for the Davis Cup, a lot of them practise together."

The only disappointment for David Felgate was Alex Bogdanovic crashing in straight sets in the other singles rubber.

"Hopefully Alex will grow from the experience and learn from Greg - it's up to him.

"His talent isn't in question but he's been around for a while now and needs to step up.

"He's 150 in the world and I believe he has the ability to be inside the top 100, as does Greg."

Tim Henman was also quick to congratulate the squad on their achievement:

"He was in touch with the captain (Jeremy Bates) wishing the team well and sent his congratulations after the tie."