Niland focuses on Davis Cup tie

CONOR NILAND is to devote his focus to Ireland’s Davis Cup clash with Tunisia in Dublin next month in following his Wimbledon heartbreak.

Niland, defeated in the opening round by France’s Adrian Mannarino, was considering continuing the chase for world ranking points next week. But after careful consideration the Limerick man is to skip tournament action ahead of the relegation play-off showdown with Tunisia at the David Lloyd Riverview next month (July 8-10).

Niland said: “I was in two minds about whether I would play in a tournament next week. There are Challenger tournaments on next week in Germany and Italy which would have been convenient enough for me.

“However, after three matches in qualifying at Wimbledon and all the rain delays, and then the match against Mannarino, I’ve decided I’d be better off taking a break next week. Not playing in a tournament should stand me in good stead for the Davis Cup tie. I’ll be fresher for the two singles matches.”

With Ireland’s survival in Group Two of the Europe-Africa Zone on the line following a 3-2 defeat by Luxembourg, at the same venue in March, Niland appreciates the importance of the clash with the Tunisians.

“It was very disappointing to lose to Luxembourg, and as a result we’ve got to beat Tunisia to avoid dropping down to Group Three. But it’s not likely to be easy against the Tunisians. Although they were beaten 4-1 by Britain, they went very close to winning one of the singles they lost, and they went to four sets in the doubles.”

With Colin O’Brien still sidelined with an arm injury, team boss Garry Cahill has announced an unchanged line-up of Niland, James McGee, Barry King and James Cluskey.

IRELAND team: Conor Niland, James McGee, Barry King, James Cluskey.