GB given Ukraine draw after Davis Cup defeat

Great Britain will face Ukraine at home in Europe/Africa Zone Group I of the Davis Cup next year. Britain were included among the seeded nations for yesterday's draw in Madrid, giving them a bye past the first round of ties to be staged in March.

They will face the Ukraine, ranked 41 in the world, on 8-10 May in the hope of moving towards an immediate return to the elite level of the competition. Britain were relegated from the World Group on Sunday following a 3-2 defeat by Austria at Wimbledon.

World No 4 Andy Murray, won both his matches but the team's lack of depth was exposed with Alex Bogdanovic losing two rubbers, including the decider against Alexander Peya.

The doubles pairing of Jamie Murray and Ross Hutchins also came up short as Britain crashed to an embarrassing defeat which sees them slip to 24th in the world rankings.

The result has increased pressure on team captain John Lloyd, who drew criticism for his decision not to select Andy Murray to play in Saturday's doubles.

Disappointing attendance figures throughout the tie and team morale have also been questioned. The challenge facing Lloyd is to convince Andy Murray, who reached the final of the US Open earlier this month, to continue playing for Britain.