Let's play darts! Norrie talks off-court competition as Great Britain beat France

Competition is raging on and off the court in Innsbruck as fun-loving Great Britain plot their latest course to the business end of the Davis Cup Finals.

The quest of the 2015 champions to top the podium at the Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals 2021 started in fine style as Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans posted singles wins to ensure Great Britain defeated France.

On an otherwise productive day, the only setback for Leon Smith's charges was doubles defeat for Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski against Nicolas Mahut and Arthur Rinderknech. Nevertheless, victory against Czech Republic tomorrow will see Great Britain top Group C and seal their place in the quarter-finals.

But if the feuding on-court is fierce and intense, that is nothing compared to behind the scenes and the in-house competition brewing within the Great Britain camp. It all adds to the team spirit and camaraderie, which Norrie for one holds so dear.

"For me, it is unbelievable to be back on the team playing for my country," said Norrie, who was contesting just his third Davis Cup tie following a competition debut in 2018.

"I really like being in a team and being in this atmosphere. I've really enjoyed the week so far with everyone. It is also nice to prove myself again, to keep the pressure on and keep playing big matches. It's exactly how I want to finish the year ahead of a big year next year.

"With regard to the team, we like to compete and we've been playing cornhole, with a tournament every night. We also play darts. We're playing Around the World doubles in the darts and Joe probably rates himself as the best.

"We have also been going to dinner, watching the other matches together and there's been some good chat. It's just nice to be part of this team and nice for us to come together at the end of the year to share this moment.

"I'm really happy to be part of a proper team. As I say, it's a lot of fun off the court, and that really helps. The team has each other's back and it is just thoroughly enjoyable."

World No. 12 Norrie delivered Great Britain's knockout blow by overpowering debutant Rinderknech. The left-hander has enjoyed a fabulous season and his fine form continued as he dispatched his rival 62, 76(8) in two hours and five minutes.

On the eve of the tie, Norrie spoke of his desire to transfer the form he has showcased this year, which has seen him rise to a career-high world ranking, to the Davis Cup arena. He did just that against world No. 58 Rinderknech.

Norrie, who became the first Briton to top the podium at Indian Wells in October, was clinical when opportunities arose in the opening set, with two breaks of serve fuelling a 6-2 triumph.

Rinderknech, however, has also enjoyed a progressive campaign and was unlikely to disappear from this tie without a trace. He duly provided stubborn resistance during a tight second set, only for Norrie to hold his nerve in an exciting tiebreak which ebbed and flowed before a second match point was converted.

Earlier in proceedings, Evans, who won one of the four matches he contested at the 2019 Finals in Madrid, moved Great Britain to within striking distance of victory by defeating Mannarino, 75, 64.

France, having beaten Czech Republic on Thursday, entered the tie knowing a further triumph would secure top spot in Group C and a quarter-final place. Mannarino played a key role in his side's win against the Czechs but another was not forthcoming.

A break of serve ensured Evans was in the ascendency as the first set rattled towards a conclusion, and despite world No. 71 Mannarino hitting back with a break of his own, the 31-year-old Briton was not to be denied as his on-court intensity increased.

Mannarino had his chances in the second set but once he surrendered the opportunity to break, Evans pounced and made his own moves, duly outmanoeuvring his opponent to seal a ninth Davis Cup singles triumph.

"Any win is important," said Evans. "My job is to set the tie up for the other guys and I did that well.

"It was a difficult match. He obviously played No. 1 the other day. I think they were hoping to get that win to set their tie up, especially with their strong doubles.

"I find it hard with no atmosphere, so I had to really use myself, use the bench, use Leon [Smith] to keep pushing, keep myself focused and get an atmosphere.

"Talking of Leon, he is such a great captain, that's why he's been in the job so long. I've never been a captain, but I imagine the beauty of a good captain in sport is to know when to say stuff and know when not to. He gets it right and prepares the team, which has five different characters, amazingly well."

While the tie had gone, it was still important for France to rally in the doubles. Depending on results elsewhere, calculators may need to be at the ready to confirm which teams progress to the last eight. The six group winners do, as do the two best-performing runners-up.

In the first doubles match they have contested together, Mahut and Rinderknech obliged and produced a powerful display to overcome Salisbury and Skupski 6-1 6-4. All eyes now turn to Great Britain's showdown with Czech Republic tomorrow.

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