‘I don’t deserve to play’ – Andy Murray rules himself out of Davis Cup selection

Andy Murray has ruled himself out of the Davis Cup this year, saying he ‘doesn’t deserve’ to play.

Murray has memorably led Great Britain to Davis Cup success in the past when he was at the peak of his powers, but his focus nowadays has changed to getting himself back to his best following his injury problems.

He put in a fine showing at Indian Wells this week before being stopped by Alexander Zverev in the third round, but he says he won’t be seeking Davis Cup selection.

“I don’t feel right now I would be playing,” Murray told BBC Sport.

“Obviously that would be up to Leon (Smith, Great Britain’s Davis Cup captain), but I’m not sure I deserve to play in that team.

“Cam [Norrie] and Dan [Evans] have had a great year. Liam Broady’s in and around the top-100 now and we’ve got very strong doubles as well.

“Right now, I’m not planning on playing the Davis Cup.”

There are also other motivations for Murray, who does not believe his schedule can cope with the Davis Cup if he wants to start 2022 strongly.

“With the late finish to it, and early departure to Australia, with my schedule between now and the end of the year, I am going to have to rest and take a break and give my body a chance to breathe.

“I want to make sure this off season I get to spend as much time with my family as possible.

“I have been away from that recently and that will be the case when I go to Australia as well.”