Davis Cup challenge switches to Croatia

Leon Smith’s side set up the opportunity to return to the top level of the competition for the first time since 2008 with a brilliant 3-2 victory over Russia in Coventry last weekend.

Yesterday’s draw ends a run of seven consecutive ties at home – this will be captain Smith’s first away tie – but, with Andy Murray having pledged to make himself available, it is one they will be confident of winning.

Britain avoided the likes of Spain and Switzerland, and Smith said: “Obviously Croatia is a tough draw and especially as it is an away tie.

“In Marin Cilic they have an extremely strong No 1 player who is currently ranked 11 in the world. Ivan Dodig is their current No 2 singles player and ranked at 54. But, as we saw last weekend, anything is possible in Davis Cup.”

Murray has not played in the competition since a victory over Hungary in September 2011 that saw Britain clinch promotion back to Europe/Africa Zone Group I.

In his absence, Dan Evans in particular has stepped up, winning both his singles rubbers to guide Britain to victory over Slovakia last year then beating top-80 player Evgeny Donskoy in the deciding rubber against Russia on Sunday.