Davis Cup Final 8 draw LIVE: Latest updates as Andy Murray’s Great Britain learn opponents for Malaga
Neal Skupski and Dan Evans helped secure Team GB’s place in Malaga
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Britain who topped Group B in the Davis Cup after their win over France on Sunday now face Serbia, as the draw for the Final 8 Knockout stage was announced on Tuesday.
Serbia finished second behind Czech Republic, but clinched their place in the Final 8 with a win over Spain. Novak Djokovic beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina just five days after winning the U.S. Open to help Serbia to a 3-0 win over Spain in Valencia. Whoever comes out on top between Serbia and Britain will then face the winner of Italy v Netherlands in the semi-final. Reigning Davis Cup champions Canada will continue their title defence against Finland, who came through as runners-up in Group D after surprise wins over Croatia and the United States, while Canada topped their group ahead of Italy.
The winner of Canada v Finland will take on either Czech Republic or Australia in the semi-final. Australia finished runners-up to Britain. The Final 8 takes place in Malaga, Spain, and begins on Nov.21.
Davis Cup Final 8 Draw
That’s all for today. Thank you for joining us. Until next time, goodbye!
Winner Group A v Runner-up Group D
Canada v Finland
Winner Group C v Runner-up Group B
Czech Republic v Australia
Runner-up Group A v Winner Group D
Italy v Netherlands
Runner-up Group C v Winner Group B
Serbia v Britain
Flashback: Great Britain’s 3-2 victory over Serbia in 2016
Reigning champions Great Britain faced Serbia in the 2016 quarter-finals of the Davis Cup.
Kyle Edmund and James Ward won and lost their singles matches respectively to leave the standings tied at 1-1.
Jamie Murray and Dominic Inglot then managed to put Great Britain ahead with a comfortable doubles win over Filip Krajinović and Nenad Zimonjić.
The then 21 year-old Edmund managed to clinch victory in the quarter-final tie however by beating Dusan Lajović in only his second Davis Cup Tie.
The youngster deputised for Andy Murray after the Scotsman pulled out of the clash due to how soon it was after winning Wimbledon.
Can the Finnish fairy tale continue?
Finland will be underdogs once again when they play defending champions Canada in the semi-final, but showed why they shouldn’t be underestimated when they beat the U.S. 3-0 in a shock victory in the group stages.
It will be the first time they have competed in the semi-finals of the Davis Cup, with 2023 being the first time they had even made to the Finals Group Stage.
Emil Ruusuvuori is Finland’s highest ranked player at world number 37, but 22 year-old Otto Virtanen also impressed against USA when he saw off Mackenzie McDonald in the opening game.
Canada however topped Group A despite having to rely on the lower-ranked Gabriel Diallo and Alexis Galarneau.
The potential return of world number 14 Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Denis Shapovalov, who is in the squad but still recovering from a knee injury, could make the tie an even tougher prospect for the Finns.
Strength in depth the key for GB?
Tennishead on X, formerly known as Twitter, says quality of depth could be a key factor in Great Britain’s semi-final against Serbia.
Italy have strong record against the Netherlands
Italy have a strong record against the Netherlands in the Davis Cup.
The 1976 winners have won seven out of eight fixtures between the two teams, with their last defeat coming in 1923.
The Netherlands will equal their best ever performance should they win in Malaga, previously reaching the semi-finals in 2001.
When will the match between Great Britain and Serbia take place?
The opening fixture of the Final 8 is due to be played in Malaga on 21 November 2023, with matches to continue until the 26th.
The precise order / dates of games is yet to be released however.
A Tough Draw for GB?
Nick on X, formerly known as Twitter, is optimistic about Great Britain’s chances in doubles compared to having to likely face Djokovic in singles.
All the quarter-finals of the 2023 Davis Cup
Here’s how the quarter-finals of the 2023 Davis Cup shape up:
- Great Britain v Serbia
- Italy v Netherlands
- Canada v Finland
- Czech Republic v Australia
Australia take on The Czech Republic
Australia will take on The Czech Republic in the quarter-final, with the winner playing the victor of Canada v Finland.
Italy face the Netherlands, with the winner taking on Great Britain / Serbia
Italy will be playing the Netherlands for a place in the 2023 semi-final.
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