Published: Wednesday, 2nd December, 2009 10:00am

Willis urged to seize his Davis Cup chance

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ANDY Murray's former coach Mark Petchey insists the British number one should stand down from Davis Cup duties with immediate effect and make way for the likes of Wokingham's Marcus Willis.

Willis underlined his growing potential earlier in the year coming through a gruelling pre-Wimbledon qualifying campaign before narrowly failing to make the main draw at the All England Club.

The 19-year-old - currently ranked 601st in the world - punched above his weight to beat American world number 183 Amer Delic during the first qualifying round before falling to Italian Andrea Stoppini.

Willis' efforts will have impressed Davis Cup captain David Lloyd - and with youth being called for following Britain's relegation to group two of the Euro-Africa Zone - Petchey believes the Wokingham teenager should be given his chance sooner rather than later.

"I don't think Andy should play Davis Cup next year," said Petchey, who was in London last week to promote Barclays Ball Kids - a nationwide search to find ball boys and girls for next year's ATP World Tour Finals in London.

"He's going to get nothing out of it and he shouldn't have to change his schedule to travel all over the place.

"And if that happens there is a fantastic chance for Marcus to step up now and get that international experience which is crucial.

"Dan Evans was given his chance in the last round but there are guys like Marcus who need similar opportunities if they are to progress.

"We have a lot of good players outside the top 150 in the world, probably more than any other country, but one good experience can go a long way."

Willis is yet to make his maiden senior singles final but has reached six in doubles competition, including two wins at the Great Britain and Italy Futures events in May and September respectively.