The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsGreat Britain have taken a 2-1 lead in their Davis Cup quarter-final against France after Andy Murray teamed up with brother Jamie to defeat Nicolas Mahut and Jo Wilfried Tsonga 4-6 6-3 7-6 6-1.
In the opening set, Great Britain was very much second best as France quickly gained the early break to deservedly take the set 6-4. However in the second set, Great Britain responded as they raised their level to break the French for a 3-1 lead. Mahut and Tsonga were unable to recover the deficit, as Great Britain levelled the match at one set apiece.
In the third set, both teams produced a high quality performance but Great Britain appeared to potentially suffer a major blow as Andy Murray was forced to receive treatment after a nasty fall. But, the Brits recovered to take the set into a crucial tiebreak, and they eventually edged it much to the delight of the home fans when Tsonga placed a volley wide.
The French seemed dispirited after the disappointment of losing the tie-break, and quickly their challenge faded. Great Britain were in contrast energised by the third set, and they continued to build on their momentum. With the double break advantage, the Brits were rampant in the fourth set and Jamie Murray completed a vital victory with an overhead smash to give Great Britain the 2-1 lead heading into tomorrow’s singles matches.
