Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport at Manchester Arena

Manchester's civic emblem is the worker bee, a symbol of the city being born on industry and creating a hive of activity.

Aptly, the buzz has returned among tennis fans in the city with the Davis Cup back in town.

If the drama is only half of what we saw at the Manchester Arena last year - when Britain reached the Davis Cup last eight thanks to Dan Evans and Neal Skupski saving four match points to win a tense decider against France - it will be a cracker.

"It’s great to be back and memories from last year were very special," said British Davis Cup captain Leon Smith.

"We had to go some to go through, despite winning all three ties, and it obviously finished in ridiculous fashion with what Dan and Neal did on that last day, last set.

"But it is a new year, a new-ish team and we're really excited by it. Think the fans will come out in good numbers again."

Image source, Getty Images

The stats tell a story - 47 unforced errors from Eero Vasa as he went down in straight sets to Dan Evans.

Dan Evans speaking on court after his victory over Eero Vasa:

"Difficult match, he played great at the start I knew he'd come out and play aggressive. This court helps that. I found it a little tough for quite a long time to get the ball striking there. He did a great job of rushing me. I started to play a bit better in the second and really well at the end.

"A big thank you to everyone for coming out, we really appreciate it. You're a great crowd and it really makes the occasion, helps us so much. We love playing here and hopefully no more epics this week. Two sets to love and out of here."

On playing without Andy Murray: "It's very different, on the court but also in practice. It's a big hole but we have a great team and to come through this group it's not like we don't have good players to fill his space. He's a massive miss and we wish he was still playing but hopefully he's watching on the TV."

Colin Fleming
Former British tennis player

Job done for Dan Evans. He could have got a bit of a fright in that first set because Eero Vasa was playing some really impressive tennis. Big serving, big forehands, a game full of power, wasn't it? But Evans just able to just show a bit of calmness and class to come through the tie-break and once he did he was able to run away with the second and he'll be happy about that because he'll most likely be on court later for a doubles as well. Ultimately Dan Evans just a little too good.

Lee Goodall
Davis Cup commentator

Dan Evans gives Great Britain an early advantage in Manchester. Another solid Davis Cup outing for the British number two, who did well to use his experience today, didn't panic when things were tight in the opening set and slowly but surely turned the opening singles in his favour.

No messing for Dan Evans, who races to 30-0 but allows Eero Vasa back in with a mistake on the forehand.

He recovers with a powerful cross-court forehand to bring up match point.

Lee Goodall
Davis Cup commentator

So it will be all eyes on Dan Evans in a few moments to see if he can apply the finishing touches.

Eero Vasa does his bit and takes the hold to force Dan Evans to serve out for the match.

It has been an impressive showing from the Finn but Evans is on the cusp of giving Great Britain a 1-0 lead in their first Davis Cup tie.

A bit of a wobble at 30-0 there for Dan Evans but he rallies to take the hold and will now look for a third consecutive break to give Great Britain the lead in this Davis Cup tie.

Don't forget, Evans is due to be involved in doubles action later on and will be pleased to be rattling through this second set with one eye on that match.

Image source, EPA

Colin Fleming
Former British tennis player

Evans has managed this match very well. Eero Vasa played well enough in that first set that a lesser experienced player may have panicked slightly and come unstuck but he's stayed composed throughout.

Lee Goodall
Davis Cup commentator

And there is a second break in this second set and that should be job done for Dan Evans after a nasty first set. He's starting to hit cruise control here in Manchester.

Well, we couldn't have two more different sets here.

Dan Evans secures the break at the first opportunity and moves a double break ahead.

Dan Evans using all his experience and nous here to break down Eero Vasa.

His back hand winner brings up two break points.

Dan Evans consolidates that break with an impressive hold to love.

He's looking pretty pumped now as he races over to quickly change his racket.

Eero Vasa put up such a strong fight in that opening set but we're just starting to see the Finn's error count creep up.

Lee Goodall
Davis Cup commentator

There we go, finally a break of serve and Dan Evans is in business now and takes a bit of pressure off. Fast start to set two.

Breakthrough!

Eero Vasa pummels a forehand winner to the corner of the court at 0-30 to get himself back on track but Dan Evans hangs in there and eventually works himself the break opportunity at deuce.

Got it! Evans' backhand seals the break and prompts the loudest roar of the match so far from the Brit.

Colin Fleming
Former British tennis player

That's a tasty forehand there from Evans. As soon as he moved around that ball, he had to come up with something of high quality because he was well out of the court. It was a beautiful angle.

Image source, PA Media

US Open semi-finalist Jack Draper may have been rested for Great Britain's opening tie, but he is showing his support in Manchester.

Draper has been cheering on Evans from the sidelines.

Image source, PA Media

That opening set took over an hour to get through but we're off to a quicker start in this second one as Dan Evans takes a straightforward hold to love.