The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsAndy Murray has taken Great Britain into the Davis Cup final after the world number three dispatched Bernard Tomic 7-5 6-3 6-2. The Brit was in control of the match and produced a professional performance to see off the Australian comfortably in straight sets, to hep make history for Great Britain.
In the first set, Murray made a quick start as he capitalised on an error-strewn game from Tomic to force the early break when he outlasted the Australian in a pulsating rally. The Brit maintained his lead throughout to leave himself serving for the set at 5-3, as the Australian initially struggled to gain a foothold into his opponent’s service games. However, Tomic battled back and saved a set point with a backhand passing shot winner down the line en route to eventually retrieving the break following a nervy game by the Brit. But, Murray steadied himself and on his third set point at 6-5, he produced an exquisite drop-shot to finally clinch the set.
As the second set got underway, both players held serve early on but at 2-1, Tomic soon found himself under pressure when his opponent hammered consecutive backhand winners to craft a potential opening. Murray displayed his outstanding ability to transform the rally from defence to attack, and Tomic could not respond as the Australian conceded his serve when he netted a backhand. The Brit continued to ease through his service games and this time he served out the set at the first time of asking, sealing the two set lead when Tomic sprayed a forehand wide.
In the third set, Murray successfully used his backhand to manoeuvre his opponent all over the court and he seized the crucial break when the Australian’s backhand failed to clear the net. The Brit was in ruthless form, displaying his repertoire of shots to pressurise his opponent and extend his lead. Tomic simply had no answer and the double break was established when Murray’s incredible defence extracted the error from the Australian to leave the Brit in a commanding position. Murray maintained his composure impressively, and he secured a convincing win to seal Great Britain’s progress into the Davis Cup final. It is only fitting that the man – arguably the best tennis player Britain have ever had – who started Britain’s semi final off two days ago, is the one to conclude it.
