The Aegon GB Davis Cup Team will be rolling into Birmingham for the exciting Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group first-round clash against Japan in March. The tie, which takes place between 4-6 March 2016 at the 9,000 capacity Barclaycard Arena, will be only the second time the sides have met in the biggest team competition in tennis.

Great Britain will kick off their 2016 campaign off the back of contesting their first final for 37 years against Belgium in Ghent next weekend while Japan, who can call upon world No.8 Kei Nishikori, suffered defeat to Canada in the first round.

Leon Smith’s men will be playing their fourth home tie in 12 months but last played a match in Birmingham in 2007 when Andy Murray, Tim Henman, Greg Rusedski and Jamie Murray beat the Netherlands 4-1.

This is the first encounter between Great Britain and Japan since 1931 with the winner set to face Kazakhstan or Serbia in the quarter-finals.

Leon Smith, Captain of the Aegon GB Davis Cup Team, said: “We are delighted to be heading to Birmingham for the first-round of our 2016 Davis Cup campaign. It is a city with a great sporting history that has hosted some incredible Davis Cup ties in the past. Our fans have supported us so well this year and they really make a difference. Japan will be a tough contest but I’m sure the Birmingham fans will get right behind us and make as much noise as they can.”

Phil Mead, Managing Director of NEC Group Arenas said: "This marks the welcome return of the Davis Cup to Birmingham and in particular the Barclaycard Arena which has been a popular venue for the event in the past. Birmingham has a rich sporting heritage and the arena will set the stage for a great match, and hopefully a further victory for Great Britain following the team's success so far this year."

Tara McGregor-Woodhams, Head of Brand, Sponsorship and Digital Marketing at Aegon UK, added: “The support of the home crowd makes all the difference and we’re sure that Birmingham will rise to the occasion and get behind the Aegon GB Davis Cup Team. The atmosphere at the home ties in 2015 has been unbelievable and it’s a great opportunity for tennis fans to see Britain’s top players in action.”

As part of a wider partnership with Sport Relief, The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Tennis Foundation will be donating £1 directly to Sport Relief from every ticket sold for the Davis Cup tie against Japan from the 4th – 6th March 2016.