Andy Murray has ended Great Britain’s 79-year wait for a Davis Cup title after beating world No.16 David Goffin 6-3, 7-5, 6-3, at the Flanders Expo in Belgium.
Going into the match Britain was in control of proceedings, leading the tie 2-1 followings wins in the Singles by Murray on Friday as well as the crucial doubles tie on Saturday.
The match was a nervous encounter for both players who were playing in front of a highly animated crowd in Ghent. Both player had to contend with off-putting sounds set off by members of the crowd whilst they were serving, sparking numerous warnings from the umpire. Despite facing Goffin on his home soil, Murray had the edge going into the final day with a head-to-head lead of 2-0. The Belgian has never won a set against the world No.2, a trait which has continued after today’s encounter.
Murray has become the third man to score a perfect 8-0 winning record in singles matches in a Davis Cup season since the introduction of the World Group in 1981 after John McEnroe (1981) and Mats Wilander (1982). He is the fourth player to win 11 matches, including his four doubles wins this year and the fourth member of the Big Four to win the Davis Cup, following in the footsteps of Novak Djokovic (2010), Rafa Nadal (2011) and Roger Federer (2014). Murray has also become the first player since Pete Sampras to win three matches (two singles and the doubles) in a Davis Cup final.
It is the 10th time that Great Britain has won the title, first since 1936. During this year’s tournament they have defeated three former Davis Cup champions (America, France and Australia) to reach the final before claiming their historic title against Belgium. Shortly after sealing the British victory, Murray spoke of his delight.
“I just can’t believe we did it,” said Murray.
“I play some of my best tennis when I’m playing for my country.”
This year’s achievement is a spectacular turnaround in Britain who was playing in the second group of the Europe/Africa four years ago. Guiding them to victory was captain Leon Smith, who has worked with the team since July 2010. After experiencing a roller-coaster journey, a visibly delighted Smith spoke of his delight.
“It is amazing, as good a feeling as I could imagine. Andy has shown himself to be an absolute superstar”. The British captain said.
“He will be the first to say that it is a team thing but what he has done is astonishing. I am proud of everyone.”
Despite the disappointment, this weekend has also been a breakthrough experience for Belgium who played in their first final since 1904.
Since 2010 Great Britain have a Davis Cup win-loss record of 12-3. The only three countries they have lost within the past five years are Lithuania (2010), Belgium (2012) and Italy (2014).
Missed the match? Here is a recap
At 1-0 Murray hit a winner for 30-40 to bring up a break point, but Goffin saved it to hold his serve. Murray hit an ace down the middle for 40-0 before holding his serve to love with a winner in the third game for 2-1. Goffin won his service game to love with an ace for 2-2. The Belgian earned his first break point chance as Murray hit his backhand into the net. Murray held his serve for 3-2 after hitting a deep serve that Goffin could not get back. Murray hit a forehand pass and two returns to convert the break point chance to love for 4-2. Murray consolidated the break point in the next game with a cross-court pass winner for 5-2. Goffin saved three set points on serve, but Murray closed out the set with a forehand into the corner.
In the second game of the second set Goffin earned the second break point of the match when Murray hit his forehand long at deuce but could not capitalise it. Goffin fended off two break points to hold serve for 2-1 after a 10-minute third game. Murray held his serve in the fourth game to love for 2-2. Goffin made his second double fault of the match, but he held his serve to 15 as Murray hit a forehand reply into the net.
Murray hit a half-volley drop-shot to go up 15-30 on Goffin’s serve. Goffin hit a smash to draw level to 30-30. At 40-30 Goffin hit a forehand down the line winner to hold his serve for 4-3. Murray hit three aces to hold his serve to love.
At 5-4 Goffin clawed his way back from 0-40 to 30-40 but he dumped into the net. Murray earned a break point with a forehand and broke serve at the most crucial moment to take the 6-5 lead as Goffin hit a forehand into the net. Murray went down 0-30 on his serve, but fought back with four consecutive points. He closed out the set with a cross-court forehand winner after a thrilling rally.
Goffin brought up two break point chances at 15-40 in the second game of the third set and converted his second chance when Murray dumped a forehand into the net.
Murray brought up two break-back points with a forehand cross-court winner and broke straight back in the third game for 1-2. Murray fired a service winner off his second serve to win his service game.
Goffin went up 40-15 with a forehand down the line and won the fifth game with a winner for 3-2. Goffin earned a break point with a forehand, but Murray saved it with a serve down the middle.
Murray got the crucial break to love at 5-3 and sealed the win on his second match point with a backhand lob.
