Murray brothers put Britain on brink of Davis Cup Glory
The pair beat David Goffin and Steve Darcis yesterday in four sets, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. If Andy now defeats David Goffin, who he defeated with the loss of just one game in France less than a month ago, Great Britain will be Davis Cup champions for the first time since 1936. Their destiny lies in the hands of the world No.2 player – where captain Leon Smith wanted it.
The Murrays endured some worrying moments yesterday, particularly when Jamie was broken for the third time in the match in the third game of the third set.
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Hide AdBut a tactical adjustment that saw Andy move further away from the net when his brother served helped the Scots recover their poise.
Jamie was self-deprecating about his struggles afterwards. When asked if, amid the noise and craziness of such a pivotal match, it is reassuring for both of them to see a brother standing at their side, Jamie interjected: “It is probably more reassuring for me than it is for him.”
Not everything rests on Andy today – Britain have two chances to gain the point they need, with either Kyle Edmund or James Ward also scheduled to play against probably Darcis later today.
While most expect Andy to overcome Goffin, who has never beaten him, the Scot was trying to play down the significance of the opening match. “It is far from over,” he said. “I said the same thing yesterday.
“Even if we lost the doubles, I would have said the same thing. I still think we have a very good chance in both of the matches tomorrow.
“Even if I was to lose against Goffin, I think we have a very good chance in the fifth rubber, whoever plays for them.
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Hide Ad“Obviously to be up 2-1 gives us a better chance of winning. Only having to win one of those two is better than having to win both. But I’m not getting ahead of myself. I know how good a player Goffin is. You don’t get to be ranked 15 in the world in today’s game with the depth that there is if you’re not pretty good at the game.”