Andy Murray will pitch in at baseball ground for Davis Cup tie

Britain's return to the elite of Davis Cup tennis against the United States next year will be at a baseball stadium in San Diego, it emerged today.

And it was also being reported in America that the hosts will stage the world group tie on clay — Andy Murray’s least favourite surface.

A press conference was scheduled for later today to announce that Petco Park, home to the San Diego Padres, will be converted into a tennis venue for the match between January 31 and February 2. The court will be set up in the outfield and temporary seating will be brought in for the fans.

Britain have not played in the world group since 2008 but earned their place back among the best thanks to a 4-1 victory over Croatia in September.

That match was Murray’s first in the competition for two years but he is eager to be involved next season. The world No4 has been out of action since back surgery in September but hopes to be back for the Australian Open, which starts two weeks before the Davis Cup tie.

The United States team are likely to feature world No14 John Isner and Sam Querrey, who is 47th in the rankings.