Nice Britain have been awarded a wild card into the group stage of subsequent yr’s Davis Cup.
It’s the third time Leon Smith’s group have been given free passage for the reason that new format was launched in 2019 and means they keep away from having to play a qualifying match in February and can go straight by way of to the primary a part of the finals in September, the place they’re once more more likely to host a gaggle.
This yr noticed report attendances in Manchester, the place Britain defeated Australia, Switzerland and France to e book their place within the remaining eight in Malaga this week.
There was criticism, although, of low crowd numbers for ties not involving Britain, with a video of empty seats posted by three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka upsetting extra criticism of the format.
Britain’s keep in Malaga proved to be temporary, with a 2-0 defeat by Serbia within the final eight on Thursday ending their hopes of lifting the trophy once more.
Spain have been additionally awarded a wild card, with the finals staying in Malaga for one more yr, whereas this yr’s finalists Italy and Australia additionally go straight by way of to the group stage.
Billie Jean King Cup: GB get France conflict
In the meantime, Nice Britain face a rematch with France within the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in April.
Anne Keothavong’s facet have been crushed by the identical opponents in Coventry this yr, with Katie Boulter shedding to Caroline Garcia and Harriet Dart crushed by Garcia and Alize Cornet.
Britain defeated Sweden earlier this month to keep away from relegation however subsequent yr’s tie will probably be even harder given France will host, which may effectively imply a contest on clay from April 12-13.
Boulter has established herself because the clear British primary this season whereas Keothavong should wait to see if Emma Raducanu, who’s constructing as much as a comeback after six months out following wrist and ankle operations, is on the market.
Raducanu might effectively must play to be able to be eligible to compete on the Paris Olympics subsequent summer time.
Seville will once more host the 12-team finals subsequent November. Champions Canada and runners-up Italy have already secured two of the spots together with hosts Spain and wild playing cards Czech Republic.
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