Slammers' Kokkinakis to take on No. 3 Murray in Davis Cup

GLASGOW, Scotland — Thanasi Kokkinakis will play his friend and practice partner Andy Murray in the opening match of the Davis Cup semifinal between Britain and Australia as the host country bids to reach its first final since 1978.

 

Kokkinakis  will open the best-of-five series on Friday (Saturday in Manila) against Murray on an indoor hard court at the Emirates Arena.

 

Murray's brother, Jamie, and Dominic Inglot were nominated to face Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Groth in Saturday's doubles.

 

Kokkinakis said he is relishing taking on Murray.

 

"He's a great player and to play him on home ground here in Glasgow will be a huge challenge for me," the Australian said. "I'm not sure whether knowing him well helps or hinders. I think he knows my game and I know his, although I've seen a bit more of him than he has of me."

 

Australia has won the Davis Cup 29 times, the last time in 2003. Britain has not won the Cup since 1936.

 

The third-ranked Andy Murray believes the blend of his experience and home support will be a big advantage in the opening match against the 72nd-ranked Kokkinakis. The two have never played each other.

 

"He's a pretty explosive player, but it'll be a tough one for him," Murray said. "I expect a tough match, I know Thanasi well. But this weekend we are obviously rivals. The atmosphere when we played the first round (against the United States) here was phenomenal and this time, it will be even better. It can work in his advantage, going out there with no fear but hopefully I can use my experience in these situations to my advantage."

 

Murray missed a team dinner on Wednesday night because of a stomach bug but said he is ready to play.

 

"It has been a tiring few months with some tough matches in tough conditions but I feel I have recovered pretty well from that," said Murray, who lost in the fourth round at the U.S. Open to Kevin Anderson.

 

Kokkinakis is set to join the Singapore Slammers this December for the International Premier Tennis League which includes a stop in Manila. With a report from PhilStar.com

 

(Sources from Philstar.com and Philippinemavericks.com)