Murray hands Great Britain double boost in Davis Cup
WIMBLEDON champion Andy Murray has pledged to play a full part in the Davis Cup after leading Great Britain back into the competition’s top division for the first time in five years.
Murray clinched victory over Croatia with a straight-sets triumph over Ivan Dodig yesterday, his third point of the tie having also beaten teenager Borna Coric and partnered Colin Fleming to glory in the doubles.
Dan Evans rounded the weekend off in style by winning the final rubber and completing a 4-1 win for Great Britain, who return to the 16-team World Group and will discover their next opponents on Wednesday.
Since the team’s 2008 relegation Murray has been only an intermittent participant, but the Scot has reaffirmed his commitment as they contemplate glamour ties against the likes of Spain and the United States.
“I’m looking forward to it, it’ll be interesting. We get to play against some of the biggest countries in the world against top teams and top players. It’s exciting for all of the guys,” said Murray.
“If I’m fit and healthy, I will be there to play. A couple of years ago that wasn’t the case. I wanted the younger guys to step up and experience it.
“There was no use us being in the World Group because we weren’t ready for it. But now I think we are ready to do well. We have a top doubles team. Dan and James [Ward] will continue to improve and we’ve got the makings of a very solid team.”
In a reminder of the unique atmosphere of the Davis Cup, Murray was jeered as he served for the match, and the tie, against Croatian No2 Dodig.
“Andy put in an incredible performance,” said Great Britain captain Leon Smith. “My voice is gone from shouting. The crowd were absolutely brilliant. I think that’ll be good experience for next year.”
Murray is targeting a home draw against a big team, but added: “We could easily draw Spain away in the first round and that would be an ugly match-up for us, very difficult.”
RESULTS
Croatia 1-4 Great Britain
■ Murray beat Coric 6-3, 6-0, 6-3
■ Dodig beat Evans 6-3, 6-2, 6-3
■ Murray and Fleming beat Dodig and Pavic 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (8-6), 6-1
■ Murray beat Dodig 6-4, 6-2, 6-4
■ Evans beat 6-4, 7-6 (7-4)