Davis Cup 2013: Great Britain to face Croatia in September
- Published
Great Britain have been drawn against Croatia in their next Davis Cup tie.
The draw ends Britain's run of seven consecutive home matches and will be captain Leon Smith's first away tie.
Smith's side fought back to earn a stunning 3-2 win over Russia and set up a World Group play-off in September.
Britain's hopes of returning to the top level of the competition for the first time since 2008 are boosted by the fact Andy Murray will return to the team after skipping the tie against Russia.
Britain could have faced Spain and Rafael Nadal or Switzerland and Roger Federer but take on Croatia, who were knocked out in the World Group first round by Italy, on 13-15 September.
Marin Cilic, ranked 11th in the world, is the country's top player with Ivan Dodig, who lost both of his singles matches against Italy, ranked 54th.
Smith said: "Obviously Croatia is a tough draw and especially as it is an away tie.
"In Marin Cilic they have an extremely strong number one player. Ivan Dodig is their current number two singles player and ranked at 54. But as we saw last weekend, anything is possible in Davis Cup."
Britain and Croatia have only played each other once in the competition, with Britain winning 4-1 at Wimbledon, external in a 2007 World Group play-off.
Murray beat Cilic in five sets while Tim Henman triumphed over Roko Karanusic without losing a set to give the team a 2-0 lead.
Henman teamed up with Jamie Murray to beat Cilic and Lovro Zovko in the doubles to seal the tie.
Murray beat Karanusic in the first dead rubber, but Jamie Baker lost to Cilic in the final game.
Against Russia at the weekend, Britain lost both opening singles in world number two Murray's absence but Colin Fleming and Jonny Marray won the doubles to keep the tie alive.
James Ward and Dan Evans then both won their singles rubbers on the final day at Coventry's Ricoh Arena to seal victory.
Elsewhere, Spain host Ukraine, Austria travel to Netherlands and Switzerland meet Ecuador.
Brazil travel to Germany, Poland host Australia, Belgium are at home to Israel and Columbia visit Japan.
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