BILLY IDOL
Daily Star|September 12, 2024
Hero Harris is first classC
GARY CHAPPELL
BILLY IDOL

DEBUTANT Billy Harris sealed victory for Great Britain in their Davis Cup opener against Finland in Manchester.

Harris held his nerve in a tight second set against Otto Virtanen to secure a 6-4 7-6 victory which gave the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the tie at the AO Arena.

The win, coupled with Dan Evans' 7-6 6-2 success against lowly-ranked Eero Vasa earlier, ensured Britain avoided any missteps as they try to book their spot at the last-eight event in Malaga in November.

Harris' performance more than justified GB captain Leon Smith's decision to give US Open semifinalist Jack Draper extra rest ahead of much tougher-looking ties against Argentina and Canada later this week, with a top-two finish needed in the group.

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