|
By Jonathan Overend
BBC Sport tennis correspondent |
 Rusedski retired from professional tennis in April 2007
|
Former British number one Greg Rusedski is planning a comeback at the age of 35 after almost two years in retirement.
Rusedski is believed to be asking for wildcards into several ATP tournaments next month to get back into contention.
But he will not be considered for Britain's Davis Cup team for their next match against Ukraine in March.
"We talked about it and I thought about it and I called him up the next day and told him this was not the right time," GB captain John Lloyd told BBC Sport.
"I thanked him for desperately wanting to do it but I felt it was the time to move on with younger players."
 |
If he was still willing to play tournaments and play enough matches then maybe we could talk again
John LLoyd,
GB Davis Cup captain |
The Canadian-born former US Open finalist had dismissed rumours of a Davis Cup comeback in September.
But while Rusedski is said to be disappointed over his snub, Lloyd offered the big-serving left-hander encouraging signs for future Davis Cup matches.
"If he was still willing to play tournaments and play enough matches then maybe we could talk again," said Lloyd.
"You know what you're going to get with Greg, someone who's going to fight 110% for every point."
Meanwhile, Lloyd has discarded Alex Bogdanovic for the match against Ukraine in Glasgow.
Lloyd has lost patience with the 24-year-old, who has not won a meaningful Davis Cup singles match in six attempts.
"I believe that Alex has had a lot of opportunities and he hasn't been successful," said Lloyd.
"It's time to move on and give other people a chance."
Lloyd will instead hold a play-off for the other singles places on his team between Josh Goodall, James Ward, Alex Slabinsky, Jamie Baker, Dan Evans and Colin Fleming.
Jamie Murray's place in the team is far from secure as he struggles to find his form in doubles.
Lloyd will pick only one doubles specialist and Murray faces strong competition from Ross Hutchins for that place.
"It's going to come down to results and at the moment Ross Hutchins is the form player," said Lloyd.
"I hope that Jamie gets himself sharp and wins matches because it's going to come down to that."
No comments:
Post a Comment