Murray has played nine out of 12 Davis Cup ties since making his debut against Switzerland in 2005, but has begun to reassess the event's place in his schedule.
But Bates is one of many who believe Murray - now a main man in the GB Davis Cup squad following Tim Henman's retirement from the team competition - will go a lot, lot further.
British number one Andy Murray has chosen to take a break from the Davis Cup while number two Alex Bogdanovic also opted not to take part in the tie, which is Leon Smith's first as captain.