Alex Bogdanovic, holder of one of the worst Wimbledon playing records, has been given the task of getting Great Britain off to a winning start on Court No1 tomorrow against Austria's Jurgen Melzer in their Davis Cup world group relegation battle.

Bogdanovic, the British No2 and ranked 162 in the world, faces Melzer, the former Wimbledon junior champion who took Andy Murray to five sets at the US Open.

Murray, the world No4, will take on lowly-ranked Alexander Peya in the second singles rubber.
Bogdanovic has lost all seven of his wildcard appearances at Wimbledon and, in six previous Davis Cup ties, he has lost five singles with his only success being a dead-rubber victory over Australia's Todd Woodbridge.

But the Briton, who has been working with highly-paid coach Brad Gilbert this year, is optimistic.
He said: “I am not the favourite but I just want to do my best. I wanted to play the first match of the tie ­— there will be no hanging around — and I am comfortable going out there against Melzer.

“I played him on grass in Newport [Rhode Island] and he is a great player who played a good match against Andy at the US Open. I just want to play well.”

Melzer, the world No41 who yesterday tried to put pressure on Murray, today talked up Bogdanovic. “This is Davis Cup and anything can happen,” he said.

“It is always tough even though I am favourite going into the tie and played well recently. If I play my game then I think I have a great chance of putting us 1-0 ahead.

“Yes, he has lost seven singles matches at Wimbledon, but there is always the possibility of a first time. Having lost seven matches he probably doesn't think it's too much of a big deal but, remember, this is a different story.”
Melzer was also delighted to hear that his comments about pressure have led to sarcastic replies today from Murray. “You can get under anyone's skin,” he said.

“If I can get into a position where we are 2-1 ahead on Sunday when we meet in the singles then I would like to see how Andy deals with the pressure in front of 11,000 fans.”

Captain John Lloyd has picked Ross Hutchins to partner Jamie Murray in Saturday's doubles against Melzer and Julian Knowle, although Andy Murray could be drafted in on the day. The reverse singles take place on Sunday.