Belfast-born tennis talent Freddy Murray is hoping to play his part in helping the Ireland Davis Cup team secure a place in the World Group Stage II draw as they prepare to take on the Saudi Arabia team at the Net Tennis Academy in Riyadh this weekend.
The Davis Cup was founded in 1900 and is often referred to as the ‘World Cup of tennis’, with Ireland joining in 1923. Their best performance came in 1983 when they lost their play-off to a USA team headed by John McEnroe.
In its current format, Ireland are in the third tier. Should they win their tie in Riyadh, they will enter the play-off for a chance of promotion to World Group Stage I next year and be one step closer to the top tier World Stage, which includes current champions Italy, as well as former champions and Davis Cup stalwarts Spain, USA, Australia, and the UK.
Murray (21), former student of Campbell College, is currently in his third year of a four-year tennis scholarship at the University of North Carolina and is relishing the chance to join up with his team and capitalize on the momentum of a solid 2024.
“On paper, we’re the favourites. In the draw, we’re seeded third from 26 teams,” Murray said.
“In their team, only one player has ATP points, while we have four so it’s a solid advantage.
“We have higher-ranked players than Saudi, but we’re playing in Riyadh, so that could be an advantage for them. But It’s a great experience and I love travelling with the lads and Conor. And a physio.”
The Davis Cup presents a different type of challenge for Murray compared to his everyday life at university in America in the US college system which allows him to work towards a degree while training and playing in college tournaments. He has the summer free to play in the Futures Tour, giving him a valuable opportunity to gain ATP ranking points.
“A lot more players are turning to college tennis, and with that, the level has become much higher,” he added.
“I enjoy it. It’s a great mix of school and sport. I’m away from home eight months of the year, but it’s a challenge I wanted, and it’s a great experience.”
The team is captained by the former Irish number one and world number 129 Conor Niland, who in 2011 played in the main draw at both Wimbledon and the US Open and won the 2024 William Hill Sports Book of the Year award for his memoir, ‘The Racket.’
He retired in 2012 due to a persistent hip injury.
Alongside Freddy in the team are Michael Agwi, Osgar O’hOisin, Ammar Elamin, and David O’Hare, with the games scheduled for January 31 and February 1.
Day one will comprise two singles matches, with day two consisting of a doubles match and the two reverse singles matches from day one.