 |  Other countries will be looking at the result and thinking 'how did that happen?' |
Andrew Murray and David Sherwood must ensure their Davis Cup heroics spark a climb up the world rankings, says British tennis chief David Felgate. The doubles pair created a huge shock by beating Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram - who are ranked eighth in the world - to inspire GB's 3-2 win over Israel.
"They need to take this opportunity and push on," Felgate told BBC Sport.
"They need to go out and do the business week in, week out. That's the challenge for these guys."
Felgate, the LTA's performance director, said Murray and Sherwood's victory was undoubtedly the highlight of Britain's win in Tel Aviv.
Both players were making their Davis Cup debuts.
"Other countries will be looking at the result and thinking 'how did that happen?' he said.
"You couldn't be anything but impressed. I always think how you perform in your first match in your first tie is crucial for the future."
| GB DAVIS CUP TEAM'S RANKINGS Rusedski: 46 (2) Bogdanovic: 173 (3) Parmar: 208 (4) Sherwood: 275 (9) Murray: 418 (15) British ranking in brackets
Correct to 28 Feb 2005 |
Either side of that doubles, Greg Rusedski won both of his singles rubbers in emphatic style.
And Felgate said the British number two had taken on the mantle of leader following Tim Henman's retirement from Davis Cup duty.
"With Tim out, Greg's stepped up to the plate," Felgate said.
"He's taken some of the youngsters under his wing and led from the front."
Britain can now make it into the World Group if they win a play-off match in September.
And Felgate agrees with captain Jeremy Bates that Britain can go through.
"There will be some very tough teams in the draw, but we've got the right spirit, and if we get the right draw, who knows?" he said.
"We've got about six months for the Murrays and the Sherwoods to continue to improve and for the other players out there to try and get in the team.
"The team has a different feel now and there are places up for grabs.
"There is great team spirit and it's been building over the last year and a half.
"The difference is now, this isn't just a team that comes together for the Davis Cup, a lot of them practise together."
The only negative point of the weekend was Alex Bogdanovic's straight-sets defeat by Noam Okum in the opening singles rubbers.
The 21-year-old was 5-2 up in the first set but went on to lose 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 6-2.
"Hopefully Alex will grow from the experience and learn from Greg - it's up to him.
"His talent isn't in question but he's been around for a while now and needs to step up.
"He's 150 in the world and I believe he has the ability to be inside the top 100, as does Greg."
Felgate also revealed that Henman had been in touch with the team during the weekend.
"He was in touch with the captain wishing the team well and sent his congratulations after the tie.
MMIX
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