Davis Cup: ‘One of the best debuts’ – Leon Smith praises ‘immense’ Billy Harris for big win on Great Britain bow

Harris used to drive a transit van round Europe between tournaments and solely secured his first profession ATP Tour win in November 2023 on the age of 28.  

However he earned a spot in Smith’s Davis Cup squad following a run to the quarter-finals at Queen’s and semi-finals in Eastbourne this summer season, and vindicated his call-up with a 6-4 7-6(7) win over Otto Virtanen in Manchester on his debut.  

Harris’ win secured a gap victory for Britain after Dan Evans beat Eero Vasa 7-6(7) 6-2 within the opening singles rubber, with US Open semi-finalist Jack Draper rested.  

“I am completely thrilled for Billy – I feel that is among the finest debuts you may have seen. It was that good,” mentioned Smith. 

“For those who take a look at Otto’s document over the previous couple of years within the Davis Cup it is fairly flawless. 

“Billy really might have gained in a extra easy method – he was completely immense. Nothing actually sort of fazes him, regardless that he is not likely been on a giant court docket earlier than.” 

Harris was left pinching himself as soon as once more after one other landmark second that continued his late-career surge.  

Requested the place the win ranks, he mentioned: “I feel making my debut for Nice Britain and profitable on my first cap most likely tops all of it up to now. 

“Three years in the past, I used to be most likely ranked about 600, so I had no likelihood of getting close to the crew. However I have been enhancing every year since then and really feel like I used to be able to step into the crew as soon as I received known as up.”  

The one bitter level for Smith was his crew’s lack of ability to finish a rout, as Evans and Neal Skupski suffered defeat in straight units to Harri Heliovaara and Virtanen within the closing doubles rubber.  

“It feels disappointing as a result of it’s a lengthy day and final yr [at the same event] it virtually got here again to chunk us, not getting that 3-0 on the primary day,” Smith mentioned. 

“However it’s a constructive day. In the beginning, when you do not have Jack (Draper) and Cameron Norrie – your two highest ranked gamers – and find yourself profitable a tie 2-1, you’d take that.” 

The win places Britain in a superb place in Group D, the place they can even face Argentina and Canada within the four-team round-robin group stage as they appear to e book a spot within the Davis Cup Finals with a top-two end.  

The Brits will face Argentina subsequent on Friday, who suffered a gap 2-1 defeat to Canada, earlier than taking over the Canadians on Sunday, with each matches additionally on residence soil in Manchester.