Sport

Emotional Andy Murray seals Davis Cup for Britain

Andy Murray, pictured celebrating with fans, spearheaded Great Britain's first Davis Cup win in 79 years
Andy Murray, pictured celebrating with fans, spearheaded Great Britain's first Davis Cup win in 79 years Andy Murray, pictured celebrating with fans, spearheaded Great Britain's first Davis Cup win in 79 years

ANDY Murray described winning the Davis Cup as the most emotional moment of his career as he celebrated an achievement he never imagined would be possible.

The world number two clinched the point Great Britain needed to beat Belgium on the final day of play at a deafening Flanders Expo in Ghent with a 6-3 7-5 6-3 victory over David Goffin.

The final act of a gripping match was one of its highlights, Murray defending for all he was worth before curling a delicious lob over his opponent and inside the baseline.

Murray collapsed to the clay, head buried in his hands, before being mobbed by captain Leon Smith and his team-mates.

Murray made sure he broke away to shake hands with Goffin and the whole Belgian team, and was then raised aloft by the rest of the British team.

“It’s obviously an amazing feeling,” he said. “I imagine it will take a few days before it really sinks in.

“I probably haven’t been as emotional as that after a match that I’ve won. I’ve been pretty upset having lost matches before. But I’d say that’s probably the most emotional I’ve been after a win.

“It’s incredible that we managed to win this competition. I didn’t know that would ever be possible. It’s great.”

Another of Fred Perry’s records has now bitten the dust, with Murray leading Britain to a 10th Davis Cup title 79 years after their ninth.

The achievement is all the more remarkable considering Britain’s lack of strength in depth and the low base from which they started when Smith took over as captain five and a half years ago.

At that stage Britain were ranked 43rd having just lost to Lithuania and faced a play-off with Turkey to avoid being relegated to the bottom tier of the competition. Now they sit on top of the world.

Other players have contributed, not least James Ward, Dan Evans and a number of doubles players in helping Britain get back to the World Group, while Ward and Jamie Murray, alongside his brother in doubles, have also posted wins this year.

But in winning 11 of the 12 rubbers it has taken for Britain to clinch the title, there is no doubt one man is primarily to thank.

Smith said: “It has to be one of the best achievements of all time. It’s incredible for all of us to watch how he’s managed to win that many rubbers.’’