Nice Britain face a Davis Cup relegation play-off after shedding their first-round tie 3-2 in opposition to Japan.
With the tie stage at 1-1 after Friday’s opening day, Britain took the lead when Neal Skupski and Joe Salisbury gained Saturday’s opening rubber 7-6 7-6 in opposition to Yosuke Watanuki and Takeru Yuzuki.
However Jacob Fearnley, who beat former world quantity 4 Kei Nishikori on Friday, was overwhelmed 6-3 7-6 by Yoshihito Nishioka to power a decider.
The skilled Nishikori, 35, then cruised previous Billy Harris 6-2 6-3 in an hour and quarter-hour to seal victory for the hosts in Miki, Japan.
“Shedding is tough, however I am unable to fault the efforts of the 4 gamers right here during the last two days and for that matter the entire week,” mentioned GB captain Leon Smith. “They have been nice to work with, they gave the whole lot they may on the match courtroom. You win some, you lose some.”
An inexperienced GB aspect have been with out British primary Jack Draper due to a hip damage, whereas British quantity two Cameron Norrie withdrew via sickness.
They should win their relegation play-off tie in September to remain within the prime world group subsequent season.