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Novak Djokovic was unhappy with some of the British fans in Malaga (Adam Davy\/PA)<\/p>\n
Draper also backed Smith to continue his long tenure in the captain\u2019s role. It is now eight years since the Scot guided Britain to a stunning Davis Cup title, and next year will be his 14th at the helm.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe creates an amazing environment,\u201d said Draper. \u201cWe all want to play for him, all want to work hard. He only is positive around us in my opinion.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s up to him if he wants to step down or not, but I\u2019d be very happy if he stayed on and we can keep playing, because he\u2019s a great captain, a good guy. He gives us a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
Without a peak Andy Murray, Smith has had more difficult selection decisions to make, and last year\u2019s group-stage exit ended in recriminations when Dan Evans claimed he should have been picked for doubles.<\/p>\n
He got his wish this year, which paid off when he played the key role in helping Britain reach the last eight only for a calf injury to rule him out of this week\u2019s event.<\/p>\n
Had Evans been available rather than cheering from the stands, things might have turned out differently, and, with Murray also sidelined, Smith was left with a team that picked itself.<\/p>\n
He will hope that Norrie rediscovers his best form next season having now lost three Davis Cup rubbers in a row, and there were some encouraging signs against Djokovic despite the final result.<\/p>\n
Britain will find out on Sunday if they have been awarded a wild card for September\u2019s group stage or must play a qualifier in February, while Djokovic and Serbia have their eyes on the big prize and a crunch semi-final against Italy on Saturday.<\/p>\n
The match will see Djokovic clash with Jannik Sinner for the third time in a week and a half in the biggest Davis Cup singles match for many years.<\/p>\n
Sinner handed Djokovic his first defeat since the Wimbledon final in the group stage of the ATP Finals only for the world number one to take revenge in the final.<\/p>\n
Djokovic, who is unbeaten in Davis Cup singles rubbers since 2011, said: \u201cWe\u2019re developing a nice rivalry lately. I have tons of respect for him.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s been playing arguably the tennis of his life. I saw a little bit of the singles and doubles that he won (against the Netherlands on Thursday). Amazing. He really played on a high level. I could see that he was very pumped to play for his nation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not playing bad myself. So it\u2019s going to be, I think, a great match.\u201d<\/p>\n