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Who could Great Britain face in Davis Cup World Cup?

Sports Mole takes a look at who Great Britain could be drawn with in the Davis Cup World Group draw, which takes place on Wednesday.

Great Britain returned to the Davis Cup World Group on Sunday after they recorded a superb 4-1 victory over Croatia in Umag.

The triumph saw them return to the upper echelons of the competition for the first time since 2008, and it throws open the possibilities of some illustrious ties at the beginning of next year.

Leon Smith's side, which includes Andy Murray, Dan Evans, James Ward and Colin Fleming, could be paired with a Serbian side headed by Novak Djokovic or a strong Spanish contingent fronted by Rafael Nadal.

After the eight seeds were named yesterday, Great Britain are aware of their possible opponents, and whether they will contest a specific fixture in familiar surroundings or on their travels.

Below, Sports Mole provides you with all of Great Britain's potential ties ahead of the World Group draw, which takes place in London on Wednesday.


Tomas Berdych in action against Julien Benneteau during their US Open third round match on September 1, 2013© AFP
Possible home ties

The most testing tie that Great Britain could face at home appears to be the Czech Republic, who reached the Davis Cup final at the weekend as they attempt to defend the trophy that they won in 2012.

World number six Tomas Berdych is their star man, and he is supported by the experienced Radek Stepanek, who adds plenty of quality to their doubles team.

France are packed with players inside the world's top 100, but if everyone is fit, they are likely to be headed by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Richard Gasquet.

Michael Llodra and Julien Benneteau also sit in the top 25 of the doubles world rankings, so the French arguably possess the greatest strength-in-depth in the competition.

Argentina could also be drawn to travel to Great Britain, and despite the possible inclusion of Juan Martin del Potro, Leon Smith could be secretly hoping to be drawn against the South Americans.

If Murray could take care of Del Potro and a second player, it would leave the match hinging on the doubles, which Great Britain would be favourites to win.

Kazakhstan could also lie ahead for the side, but the venue of that tie would be decided by drawing lots.


Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning a point against John Isner during the men's final of the Western & Southern Open on August 18, 2013© Getty Images
Possible away ties

Due to the alternative venue system that the Davis Cup use, Leon Smith will already be aware that his team could be handed a brutal tie away from home.

The most notable test would be away to Spain, with Nadal almost unbeatable on clay, while he would undoubtedly be supported by either Fernando Verdasco, Nicolas Almagro or Feliciano Lopez.

They also possess a world-class doubles outfit, so being drawn with Spain would almost spell defeat before the match has even started.

Great Britain could also be forced to travel to Serbia to face Djokovic and Janko Tipsarevic.

Attempting to beat the world number one on his own turf would be a tough ask, even for Murray, while they are strengthened in the doubles by world number 12 Nenad Zimonjic.

There's also a 25% chance that Great Britain could be off to North America to face USA or Canada, and while Murray would be expected to register two wins in the singles, both teams will be favourites to win a potentially decisive match in the doubles.

Best possible draw: Argentina (h), Kazakhstan (lots)

Worst possible draw: Spain (a), Serbia (a)

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Rafael Nadal holds the championship trophy after his win over Novak Djokovic during the men's final of the US Open on September 13, 2010
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