Tennis: Crystal Palace to stage Davis Cup match

Britain's first Davis Cup tie of the year will be staged at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre from 4 to 6 April, the first time the venue has been used for 19 years.

Britain face either Zimbabwe or Ukraine in the Euro/African Zone Group One, making it only the second time a tie has been held at this famous arena.

However, it will bring back pleasant memories for Britain's non-playing captain, David Lloyd, a member of the British team that beat Australia 3-2 in the Davis Cup semi-final at Crystal Palace in 1978, a victory that gave Britain a place in the final for the first time since 1937.

Zimbabwe will play Ukraine in Harare in a first-round tie from 7 to 9 February, and if Britain then beat the winners of that match, they will progress to the World Group qualifying round, on 19 to 21 September.

n Sandon Stolle, the son of former French Open champion Fred Stolle, will make his Davis Cup debut for Australia against France next month. Stolle was selected with Pat Rafter, Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge.