Murray will do 'great job' at Davis Cup, says British captain

 Andy Murray will do a "great job" when he continues his comeback from injury at next week's inaugural Davis Cup Finals in Mrid, British captain Leon Smith said.

former world number one claimed his first ATP title since 2017 last month in Antwerp to raise hopes that he could return to top of game despite needing career-saving hip surgery earlier this year.

Murray, who inspired Britain to 2015 Davis Cup title, will line up alongside his older bror Jamie, Dan Evans, Kyle Edmund and Neal Skupski at Caja Magica.

"Andy feels great," said Smith on Sunday.

"He's obviously extremely happy to be back in tennis.

"He's training unbelievably hard to get back to his best position, with great focus.

"If he's picked to play, n I kw he will do a great job on court. That's t ego, that's confidence of course.

"He's still a very good tennis player, he's pushing ( or) guys ahe. And at same time, you realise what he's gone through."

Britain, who were handed a wildcard for first tournament since old World Group was scrapped, will be favourites to progress from a Group E which also features Kazakhstan and Nerlands.

teams will face off in two best-of-three-set singles matches in each tie, with one doubles rubber.

"We are very lucky to have three very good singles players and really good doubles options," ded Smith, who is expected to choose eir British number one Evans or Edmund to partner Murray, w ranked 125th.

"So I've got a few things to ponder in next couple of days, but it's a good situation to be in.

"It wasn't that long ago that it wasn't like this and guys all stepped up even though y were ranked 270, 300, 400... Beating guys 30th, 60th in world.

"That's why you have to respect any opposition."

Russia get finals, revamped by Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique's Kosmos company, underway on Monday against reigning champions Croatia.

But Russians have been weakened by withdrawal of world number four Daniil Medvedev, who has been struggling with exhaustion after a gruelling season that saw him reach six consecutive finals.

Croatia are missing injured Marin Cilic, while tournament will have to launch its new format without Roger Federer, who decided t to play.

vak Djokovic and home favourite Rafael Nal have committed mselves to event, although Spaniard has been struggling with an abdominal injury in recent weeks.

But his captain Sergi Bruguera insisted 19-time Grand Slam champion wants to take part.

" truth is that he's in a great moment," said Bruguera.

"He is doing well and is er to compete."

or ties on Monday see Belgium take on Colombia, who never played in World Group, while Italy face Cana.