Nice Britain face a Davis Cup relegation play-off after dropping 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 received 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 pressure 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 over the past two days and for that matter the entire week,” stated GB captain Leon Smith. “They have been nice to work with, they gave every little thing they may on the match court docket. You win some, you lose some.”
An inexperienced GB aspect had been with out British primary Jack Draper due to a hip harm, whereas British quantity two Cameron Norrie withdrew via sickness.
They should win their relegation play-off tie in September to remain within the high world group subsequent season.
