Davis Cup 2026: How Great Britain Can Secure a Win Over Norway
With a challenging Davis Cup match looming for the Lexus GB team in Norway, we delve into three key strategies that could help the British players emerge victorious in Oslo.
Jack Draper's Resurgence
Captain Leon Smith will be counting on his top-ranked player, Jack Draper, to make a strong comeback after a lengthy injury layoff. Draper, the British No.1 and recent Indian Wells champion, has been out of action since Wimbledon, playing just one singles match in the past five months while recovering from an arm injury.
Despite withdrawing from the Australian Open, Draper remains optimistic about his Davis Cup prospects, aiming to play his first match for Great Britain since the 2024 Finals Group Stage in Manchester. Prior to his injury, Draper was a force to be reckoned with, reaching a career-high ranking of world No.4 and making a US Open semi-final appearance in 2024. He has also secured wins over notable players like Carlos Alcaraz, Lorenzo Musetti, Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz, and Holger Rune.
The numbers back up Draper's prowess. Last year, he boasted an impressive 86.1% service game win rate (ranked 11th on tour), a 54.7% points win rate on his second serve (6th on tour), and the fourth-highest 'Under Pressure Rating' according to ATP stats, based on his performance in break points, tie-breaks, and deciding sets.
While expecting Draper to match these numbers in his comeback match is ambitious, the British team may need him to bring his A-game when facing the formidable Casper Ruud.
Casper Ruud's Threat
Ruud, a 14-time ATP title-holder, poses a significant challenge. Last year, he defeated Draper in the Mutua Madrid Open final, and if the two players are pitted against each other, Draper will need to rely on his powerful serve and forehand to secure victory.
Cam Norrie's Composure
British No.2 Cam Norrie has become a master of handling high-pressure situations in recent months. The 30-year-old has been playing some of his best tennis in Grand Slam matches, embracing every opportunity that comes his way.
Norrie has emerged victorious in several crucial battles. He reached the Wimbledon quarter-final after a thrilling five-set match against Nicolas Jarry, made the Roland Garros fourth round with a win over former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, and recently battled through demanding matches against Benjamin Bonzi and Emilio Nava at the Australian Open.
Norrie's resilience is evident in his performance against Bonzi and Nava. He saved 15/17 break points in his five-set thriller against Bonzi and 7/10 against Nava in the second round. In his third-round match against the eventual semi-finalist Alexander Zverev, Norrie capitalized on his break point opportunities in the first and second sets, ultimately falling short in four sets.
Norrie's ability to perform under pressure and his increased aggression and freedom on the court make him a formidable opponent.
Doubles Advantage
Great Britain may have an edge in the doubles, with Captain Smith opting for the top-ranked duo of Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool, who won 60 matches, seven titles, and their first Wimbledon trophy together last season, becoming the first British team to do so in 89 years.
However, Norway's doubles pairing introduces an element of unpredictability, which could challenge the British team. In their Qualifier against Argentina, Ruud played with Viktor Durasovic, and in their World Group I play-off, Durasovic partnered with Lukas Hellum Lilleengen, both of whom are in the Norwegian squad.
Based on doubles rankings and experience, the British team should have an advantage with a well-established pair at the top of their game. However, the Davis Cup presents a unique challenge, and Cash and Glasspool, having made their debuts for Great Britain last year, will now have a better understanding of the competition, which could be crucial in securing their first win for the country.
The British team faces Norway in the Davis Cup Qualifiers on February 5th and 6th. Tennis enthusiasts can catch the action live on Tennis Channel, BBC iPlayer, and BBC Sport.
