By Ros Satar
- 2016 Davis Cup by BNP Paribas first round tie will be in the Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham
- First tie back on home soil after historic Davis Cup Final
- Takes place 4-6 March 2016
LONDON, UK – The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) announced that Birmingham will play host to the Aegon GB Davis Cup Team’s first World Group tie in 2016.
Britwatch Tennis:
Great Britain have had the luck of the draws in 2015, with Glasgow playing host to the first round tie against the USA, and again for the semi-final against Australia, with Queen’s Club in London the hosts for the quarter-final against France.
Japan boasts World No. 8 Kei Nishikori, but in 2015 they fell against a full strength Canadian side, boasting Milos Raonic and Vasek Pospisil, but stayed in the group after a close battle with Colombia, coming down to the crucial fifth rubber.
Nishikori comes in with an impressive Davis Cup record of 18 wins and two losses, since his debut for his country in 2008, and Great Britain and Japan meet for the first time since 1931.
Leon Smith, Captain of the Aegon GB Davis Cup Team, said: “We are delighted to be heading to Birmingham for the first-round of our 2016 Davis Cup campaign. It is a city with a great sporting history that has hosted some incredible Davis Cup ties in the past. Our fans have supported us so well this year and they really make a difference. Japan will be a tough contest but I’m sure the Birmingham fans will get right behind us and make as much noise as they can.”
The home crowds have really got behind Aegon GB this year as they stand on the brink of history, bidding for their first Davis Cup title in 79 years, lifting the team to some remarkable victories in 2015 in particular.
Tara McGregor-Woodhams, Head of Brand, Sponsorship and Digital Marketing Aegon UK, added: “The support of the home crowd makes all the difference and we’re sure that Birmingham will rise to the occasion and get behind the Aegon GB Davis Cup Team. The atmosphere at the home ties in 2015 has been unbelievable and it’s a great opportunity for tennis fans to see Britain’s top players in action.”
In addition, as part of its wider partnership with Sport Relief 2016, the LTA and Tennis Foundation will donate £1 from every ticket sold from the tie directly to the charity.
Tickets will go on sale online at 8am Tuesday 24 November for British Tennis Members, and general sale opens on Wednesday 2 December.
For all the latest ticket information, go to http://www.lta.org.uk/DavisCup.
Main Image Credit: Jan Kruger/Getty
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