Match two: Harris enjoys dream debut to secure tie for GB

Billy Harris had a debut to remember on his first match for Great Britain at the Davis Cup as he cruised to a 6-4, 7-6(4) win over Finland’s Otto Virtanen to secure the tie victory for the Brits.

“Unbelievable atmosphere out here,” Harris beamed in his post-match interview. “The home crowd pulled me through in the end when it was tight. It made a big difference so thank you all.

“I think this has just topped it for me (highlights of the year). We play week in and week out for ourselves but first time playing for my country and it was a great start.”

Despite being his Davis Cup debut, the world No.101 showed little signs of nerves in the opening stages of match. The Brit’s serve is undoubtedly one of his biggest weapons and today was no different, as he dominated the points on his service games – landing a remarkable 77% of first serves and winning 82% (40/49) of points behind it across the match.

After a couple of unforced errors leaked off Virtanen’s racket, Harris was presented with two break points at 2-2, but he needed just one to get his breakthrough, after the Finnish star returned a weak backhand slice into the net. Virtanen threatened to break back immediately, but Harris batted away any danger to hold firm before going on to seal the opening set with an ace.

The Briton continued to mount the pressure on the world No.109 early in the second, clinching an 3-1 lead thanks to a double fault from Virtanen on break point. But just when the 29-year-old caught a glimpse of the finish line, Virtanen woke up from the brink of defeat to break back and draw level.

With the scoreboard locked at 6-6, we headed into a tie-break, where Virtanen made a confident start by throwing down three consecutive aces. However, Harris fought to pull the momentum back in his direction – luring the Finn into uncomfortable, lengthy exchanges from the baseline, where he launched a forehand into the net to gift the Brit three match points.

After Virtanen saved one with a sublime forehand down the line, Harris slammed a serve out wide which the Finn sent long to secure a valiant win on debut and the tie for his country.

Match one: Evans marks 26th Davis Cup tie with straight sets win

Great Britain have taken an early advantage against 2023 semi-finalists Finland after the experienced Dan Evans clocked a 7-6(3), 5-2 victory over Eero Vasa.

“I found it tough for quite a long time to get the ball-striking there,” Evans said in his on-court interview. “He did a great job of rushing me but I started to play a bit better in the second and then really well at the end.

“A big thank you to everyone for coming out, we really appreciate it. You’re a great crowd and it really makes the occasion – it helps us so much.”

Today marked the beginning of Evans’ 26^th Davis Cup tie, which now sees him rise to joint second on the all-time list for most ties played for Great Britian, alongside Mike Sangster.

In the first meeting between the two, it was the Finnish world No.703 who looked to put the pressure on the Brit from the off, as Evans was forced to save two break points on his opening service game.

From then on, Evans tightened up on his service game, winning 92% (33/36) of points off his first serve and bringing up four break point opportunities across the set, including three set points at 6-5. Evans – who has clinched an impressive 16 wins for his country – got off to a flying start in the tie-break as he raced ahead to a 6-1 lead, before securing the set thanks to a double fault from Vasa.

Fuelled with energy from the home crowd at the AO Arena in Manchester, Evans picked up where he left off in the second as he looked to keep his foot on the accelerator. The Brit channelled all his experience of competing at the top flight of the sport to gradually wear the Finn down. Up a double break to the good, Evans placed Great Britain on the cusp of taking a 1-0 lead as he eventually closed out the win in an hour and 39 minutes.