In 1936, Great Britain lifted the Davis Cup, and since then they’ve never managed to repeat the victory – until now. Inspired by Andy Murray, the world’s number 2 player, they defeated a stoic Belgium team with one match to spare, winning the tie 3-1. Murray was the star, winning all three of his encounters and proving the difference between the two sides.
Kyle Edmund began proceedings on Friday, when he took on Belgium’s number one, David Goffin. Edmund was expected to lose convincingly, while Goffin knew that anything less than a win would put his country’s hopes in severe jeopardy. So, when Edmund raced into a 2 set lead, the watching audience was stunning. The young Brit outclassed Goffin in every department. But then Goffin roared back like the professional he is, eventually taking the match 3-2.
Murray’s first match was his easiest, as he took on Ruben Bemelmans. He dispatched him in straight sets, winning 6-3 6-2 7-5. Murray then took to the court again on Saturday, this time with his brother, in a crucial doubles match. Whoever won would be favourites for the tie – and it was the Murray brothers who came out on top. This put Great Britain 2-1, and meant that a victory for Andy Murray against David Goffin would seal the tie…
Goffin fought throughout the encounter, and at times – especially during the second set – seemed to have the better of Murray. It wasn’t enough though, as Murray was simply too good for the Belgian, winning 6-3 7-5 6-3. It was a wonderful match to watch, however the highlight was undoubtedly the final shot, as Murray lobbed Goffin to bring the trophy to British hands. This Murray victory meant there was no need for the final match to be played.
So, Great Britain are Davis Cup champions – a pretty amazing turnaround, considering the team were in the lower levels of the competition just a few years ago. With Andy Murray at the front of the team, they have a player with the ability to win a tie on his own, and fans will be hoping that he stays committed to the cause next year.
The draw for next year’s Davis Cup has actually already been made, and Great Britain’s first match in defence of their title will be against Japan. Murray has already stated that he wants to play, which is clearly great news for all concerned.