Andy Murray arrived in Belgrade to support his Davis Cup teammates yesterday and captain Leon Smith believes he can still play a key role from the sidelines.

The Wimbledon champion decided earlier this week not to play in a Great Britain tie for the first time in more than three years because of this summer’s demanding schedule.

But he promised to travel to Serbia anyway and was as good as his word, heading straight to the Tasmajdan Stadium for the team’s afternoon practice session.

It was obvious Murray was itching to join in but Smith described his mere presence as “a big boost.”

Smith said: “He was desperate to support the team, and it says much about him.

“Obviously he’s gutted not to be playing, he loves Davis Cup, he loves this team, he loves his teammates plus all the support staff we’ve got. All of us are really pumped the fact he wants to come out and support the team from the sidelines, it gives us a big boost.

“I’m sure he can help before the matches and during the matches as well. He’s got a good tennis mind.”