Lundgren to assist Davis Cup team
Roger Federer's former coach Peter Lundgren will assist a Great Britain team headed by Andy Murray as they prepare for their crucial Davis Cup tie in Ukraine.
Lundgren, who coached Federer until late 2003 as well as former world number one Marat Safin until last month, has been recruited by the Lawn Tennis Association to work alongside captain John Lloyd in the build-up to and duration of the tie later this month in Odessa.
The Swede will offer his considerable expertise to the four-strong team of Murray and fellow Scots Alan Mackin and Jamie Baker as well as veteran Greg Rusedski, who is contemplating retirement in the near future, in a match in which defeat would be unthinkable.
The teams meet in a Euro-Africa Group One relegation play-off on September 22-24 and defeat would see Great Britain suffer Davis Cup meltdown.
Lundgren's experience, therefore, will be invaluable as they look to avoid such ignominy, a fact acknowledged by Lloyd.
He told the LTA's official website, www.lta.org.uk: "I am delighted that Peter Lundgren will be assisting me. He has a fantastic tennis pedigree and I know that all the players are looking forward to working with him.
"We will be training extremely hard in the run up to this tie to ensure that we are fully prepared and I am confident that this will be reflected in a victory over the Ukrainian team."
The trip to Odessa marks Lloyd's first tie as captain after the former British number one replaced Jeremy Bates, who resigned after two years in charge following defeat by Israel in Eastbourne.
Despite failing in his bid to coax Tim Henman out of Davis Cup retirement, Lloyd is confident the team he has selected can withstand the mental and physical challenges on the clay and ensure Britain retain their status.
He continued: "I have selected a team that has plenty of Davis Cup experience, and who are comfortable playing on clay. Andy has been in phenomenal form recently and will come into this tie full of confidence. I am very pleased to name Greg in the team, his Davis Cup record and experience will be invaluable for all members of the squad."
