Davis Cup: Andy Murray must fight fatigue in World Group quarter-final against France

World No 3 will probably have to win his two matches – and maybe even a third in the doubles – if the home team are to reach the last four for the first time since 1981

Andy Murray practises at Queen’s ahead of leading Britain’s Davis Cup challenge (Reuters)

It is only seven days since Andy Murray lost to Roger Federer in the semi-finals at Wimbledon but the world No 3 will be back on court at Queen’s Club on Friday afternoon to lead Britain’s Davis Cup team in their World Group quarter-final against France.

While France are able to rest Richard Gasquet, another Wimbledon semi-finalist last week, for the opening singles rubbers, Leon Smith, Britain’s captain, knows that Murray will probably have to win his two matches – and maybe even a third in Saturday’s doubles – if the home team are to reach the last four for the first time since 1981.

Gasquet, the world No 13, had an excellent Wimbledon before losing to Novak Djokovic, but France have a squad which also includes Gilles Simon (world No 11) and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (world No 12). Arnaud Clement, the French captain, named Simon and Tsonga as his two singles players, though he can change his mind up to an hour before the start of play on any day. Clement said: “They are all very close in the rankings and Richard just needed a bit more time for recovery after his semi-final last week.

“Gilles and Jo had a little more time to prepare for the tie on the grass courts of Queen’s Club, so that’s the reason. They’re all very close. It was a logical choice.”

Simon will play James Ward (world No 89) in the opening rubber before Tsonga takes on Murray. Jamie Murray, who was playing in the Wimbledon doubles final only six days ago, and Dominic Inglot are nominated to face Gasquet and Nicolas Mahut in Saturday’s doubles, with the reverse singles to take place on Sunday.

Asked whether the Murrays would be ready to give 100 per cent given their Wimbledon exertions, Smith said: “Every one of these guys and others that have played before in different ties have given 100 per cent when playing for Great Britain. It won’t change this weekend. There will be some aches and pains and a bit of tiredness from a long grass-court season. Midway through this year, it’s demanding for them. But you will see no lack of desire, effort and passion to try and win the matches.”

The world rankings suggest that the doubles could be decisive, though in the last 18 months Ward has twice swung ties in Britain’s favour by upsetting the odds against higher-ranked opponents in Sam Querrey and John Isner.

History will be against Smith’s team. Britain last won a World Group quarter-final in 1981, when Richard Lewis (now chief executive of the All England Club) and Buster Mottram led Paul Hutchins’ team to victory over New Zealand before losing to Argentina in the semi-finals.

Since then, France have played in seven finals, most recently eight months ago when they lost to Switzerland. There is arguably no country in the world in which the Davis Cup is held in as high regard as France, who are making their 17th consecutive appearance in the elite World Group and have failed to make the quarter-finals only once since 2001.

Britain reached the quarter-finals last year for the first time since 1986 before losing against Italy.

Clement said: “It’s part of the history of sport in our country. All of us here grew up watching Davis Cup and dreaming about one day winning the Davis Cup on the court. It’s something that’s very, very important for us.”

Britain have not beaten France since 1978, when Mottram and John Lloyd played the key roles in a 3-2 victory on clay at Roland Garros. It will be the second meeting between the two countries at Queen’s Club, France having won 5-0 in a World Group qualifying round in 1990.

Weekend schedule

Friday (Singles, from 12.30pm)

J Ward v G Simon

A Murray v J-W Tsonga

Saturday (Doubles, 1pm)

D Inglot & J Murray v R Gasquet & N Mahut

Sunday (Singles, 12.30pm)

A Murray v Simon

Ward v Tsonga

Coverage on BBC2 from Saturday and Eurosport all weekend