LEON SMITH has not ruled out Jack Draper making a swift return to action in Great Britain’s Davis Cup opener against Finland today.

The 22-year-old was due to arrive at Manchester Arena this afternoon, four days after his defeat by Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the US Open.

Draper struggled physically during the encounter, with anxiety and the humid conditions causing him to vomit several times on court.

But British captain Smith reported the British number one is in good health, with a decision to be made on his involvement following practice.

“Until we get on the court and start doing some stuff, it’s quite hard to tell how [he] feels,” said Smith.

“It’s just a question of figuring out where he is at with his energy, how much tennis he can play over the course of the week. But, if he’s good to go, he’s good to go. If he’s not, I’ve got every faith in those sitting beside me now.”

Britain will take on Finland, Argentina and Canada over the next five days in Group D of the initial stage of the Davis Cup Finals, with the top two teams progressing to the last eight in Malaga in November.

Draper’s presence is crucial for the home nation, who are looking for a new talisman now Andy Murray has retired, while Cameron Norrie is also missing as he continues to be troubled by a forearm injury.

“We are absolutely thrilled that he’s coming,” Smith said of Draper, who made his Davis Cup debut at the same venue last year.

“You can tell straight away that he gets Davis Cup. He plays with passion, pride, fight, and you mix that with the fact he’s a top-20 player with unbelievable quality, he’s going to be a very important member of the team not just this week but for many, many, many years to come.

“He absolutely loves it and his commitment by coming here just shows that.”

Draper is joined in the team by veteran Dan Evans, doubles specialist Neal Skupski and two debutants in Billy Harris and Henry Patten.

Harris, who famously spent the early part of his career living in a converted transit van while touring around Europe, has achieved another first at the age of 29 while Patten, 28, has been rewarded for his surprise Wimbledon title in men’s doubles.

Britain will be favourites to beat Finland whether or not Draper plays but Argentina boast impressive strength in depth and Canada have star duo Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime in their line-up.