Another straightforward hold for Dan Evans, sealed with a cheeky little backhand at the end of a scintillating rally, and the Brit will be thinking that now is the time to strike and leap ahead in this opening set.

So far Eero Vasa has made it really difficult for him but he's going to have to serve to stay in the set now.

Colin Fleming
Former British tennis player

New balls in play here, quickens things up. Easier for the players to hit winners, generate speed.

Dan Evans fist pumps as he works himself an opportunity to break.

A couple of mistakes from Eero Vasa and Evans has his first break point of the match.

But it's saved by Vasa who then produces two strong serves to take the game.

He'll be pleased with that.

Well Dan Evans may not have found the opening on Eero Vasa's serve just yet but he's doing what he needs to do on his own serve.

A no-nonsense hold to love keeps him ahead...for now.

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport at Manchester Arena

So what do we know about Eero Vasa? Very little in truth before today.

The 27-year-old Finn is ranked 703rd in the world, largely plying his trade on the bottom-tier Futures Tour - which is below the main ATP Tour and the Challenger Tour.

What we have learned so far is that he has a booming first serve - firing them down in the 130mphs - and the second serve is meaty, too.

He has also showed some rally tolerance.

Evans is using his nous to try and wear that down, though.

Image source, Getty Images

It looks like Dan Evans is finding his stride and on the cusp of making the breakthrough as he races to 0-30 but Eero Vasa comes back into it.

Evans berates himself for a mistake which gives Vasa game point then skews one wide to concede the game.

Lee Goodall
Davis Cup commentator

Another fairly comfortable hold for Dan Evans, starting to find a nice rhythm behind his own serve. He has the lead after just over half an hour.

A solid start for Dan Evans, who was in bullish mood when he spoke to BBC Breakfast's John Watson before this Davis Cup opener.

A big roar from Dan Evans as he comes into the net and hits a deft little forehand to bring up game point.

A strong serve wraps up the service game as Evans just tries to get himself up for this one and play his way into it.

Eero Vasa keeps the pace with Dan Evans and takes the hold to keep us on serve.

He's not playing like he's ranked 703 in the world, currently.

Lee Goodall
Davis Cup commentator

A more comfortable game for Dan Evans after saving break point initially, starting to get into his stride.

Image source, Getty Images

This change of ends seems like a good opportunity to tell you how this all works...

• Sixteen nations will compete in the Davis Cup Finals group stage with teams split into four groups of four
• Each tie is best of three matches or 'rubbers' - two singles and one doubles
• All matches are best of three sets
• The top two in each group will qualify for the Final 8 in Malaga in November

Lee Goodall
Davis Cup commentator

It hasn't been the best of seasons for Dan Evans, you wonder where the confidence levels are.

There's a bit of pressure on him today as well, he's the statesman of the British team this week with Andy Murray now in retirement. Cameron Norrie missing as well.

It has taken us 16 minutes to get through those opening two games. Are we in for a lengthy match?

Dan Evans doesn't fancy that as he storms to another hold. That was much more comfortable.

Not a straightforward service game for Eero Vasa either but he brings up game point with a big ace.

Evans comes back at him and takes us to deuce with some good movement around the court but a couple of mistakes from Evans allows Vasa to take the hold.

Lee Goodall
Davis Cup commentator

So an opening hold that wasn't easy, but that will help settle any nerves Evans might have been experiencing. It's his 12th Davis Cup season, 13 of 20 is his win-loss record in singles.

Many of you will be surprised to see that Dan Evans has dropped down as low as 178 in the world rankings.

He is the most experienced player in this Great Britain team by some way but a tough year where he opted to miss out on a couple of tournaments in favour of playing at the Olympics means he's lost quite a few ranking points.

Nonetheless he is favourite to get the job done here.

Phew, got there in the end. A tricky start but Dan Evans saves the two break points and takes the hold in the opening game.

Early opportunity here for Eero Vasa as Dan Evans' forehand can only find the net.

It's a break point for the Finland player, ranked 703 in the world.

Evans saves it but a solid passing forehand from Vasa brings up another chance.

Dan Evans to get us under way in Manchester against Finland's Eero Vasa.

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