Belgium’s class proves too much for Britain

Leon Smith tasted defeat for the first time as Davis Cup captain as Great Britain succumbed to the greater talents of Belgium in Glasgow, but he saw enough to believe there are better times ahead.

Smith had overseen five straight victories since taking over from John Lloyd in 2010, but Belgium went into the match as big favourites and justified their billing at Braehead Arena.

All Belgium’s four players were ranked more than 100 places higher than Britain’s No 1 for the tie, Josh Goodall, and that quality told as the world No 253 went down to David Goffin 6-4 6-4 6-4 to give the visitors an unassailable advantage after four rubbers.

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February’s victory over Slovakia ensured Britain’s Europe/Africa Zone Group I status was preserved following their promotion last season, and they will not play again until next Spring, while Belgium go forward to September’s World Group play-offs.

Smith said: “It’s a good level. If people didn’t enjoy the standard of tennis this weekend then they’re watching something else.

“That’s been high level from start to finish, and that’s why we worked really hard to get to this position, to play against quality opposition.”

Without Andy Murray, who chose to stay in the US and practise on clay, the result was entirely predictable, and there is no guarantee the world No 4 will make himself available next year.

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Smith has managed to get the best out of a succession of lower-ranked players, but he knows the chances of winning similar ties in the future rest on those players competing at a higher level during the rest of the season.

“It was always going to be a very difficult tie but we’re not far away from winning,” said the losing captain.

Goodall has now lost all four of the Davis Cup rubbers he has played, although he improved on his debut against Ukraine three years ago simply by winning a set against Steve Darcis on Friday.

The tie finished 4-1 to Belgium after Ruben Bemelmans beat Dan Evans 6-4 6-4 in the final dead rubber.