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Coach tips Ward for Davis Cup service
ANDY MURRAY’S former coach Mark Petchey insists the British No 1 should stand down from Davis Cup duties and make way for the likes of Camden’s James Ward.
Ward, who currently sits 241 places behind Murray in the world rankings, has enjoyed a breakthrough year that saw him become the first Brit since Tim Henman to win an ATP Challenger on clay in May.
The 22-year-old, (pictured) who grew up in Euston, was also handed a Wimbledon wild card where he gave Spain’s world No 9 Fernando Verdasco a run for his money before ultimately losing.
Despite his successful year Ward was overlooked as Britain were relegated to group two of the Davis Cup Euro/Africa Zone despite Murray’s presence.
Petchey now insists that Ward, who is ranked third in Britain, should be given his chance.
“I don’t think Andy should play Davis Cup next year,” said Petchey, who was in London last week to promote Barclays Ball Kids, a nationwide search to find ball boys and girls for next year’s ATP World Finals in London.
“He’s going to get nothing out of it and he shouldn’t have to change his schedule to travel all over the place.
“And if that happens there is a fantastic chance for James to step up and get that international experience, which he needs.
“We have a lot of good players around the 150 to 250 mark, probably more than any other country, and one or two good experiences could help guys like James go a long way,” he added.
Sky Sports pundit Mark Petchey is supporting the Barclays Ball Kids initiative.
To register to be a ball boy or girl visit www.barclaysballkids.com |
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