The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsAndy Murray has put Great Britain level with Belgium on the first day of the Davis Cup final, after the Brit saw off Ruben Ruben Bemelmans 6-3 6-2 7-5. The world number two displayed a controlled performance to comfortably take the first two sets, and despite the Belgian producing some brilliant tennis at times, Murray held his nerve to secure a vital straight sets win.
In the opening set, Murray made a quick start and he capitalised on a few nervy errors from his opponent to gain the early break. Even though the Belgian immediately responded with some excellent variety to break back, the Brit was not deterred and he maintained his solid play to re-gain the lead. Bemelmans aggressive game plan was successful at times but he was unable to sustain it throughout, as Murray comfortably closed out the set.
As the second set unfolded, the world number two continued to gain the upper hand in the baseline rallies, and a low passing shot was accurate enough to break Bemelmans in the first game. The Brit did incredibly well to keep his concentration throughout, and soon enough the double break was established following a crunching backhand return winner cross court. Murray was simply too strong, and he consolidated the advantage easily to clinch a two set lead.
The third set saw Murray press for another break but this time Bemelmans stood firm to the challenge, saving early break points to nudge ahead. The Belgian’s persistence and at times inspirational play was finally rewarded when he broke Murray for a 4-2 lead, but the Brit quickly regained his focus to retrieve the break back and level the scoreline. With the set almost reaching its conclusion, the world number two was forced to save a set point at 5-4 but he eventually punished his opponent, breaking Bemelmans in the following game with a forehand winner. The Belgian had put up a strong fight and had showed flashes of exquisite tennis but it was not enough as Murray closed out the match to level the tie at one point apiece.
Earlier, Belgium had taken the lead when David Goffin battled back from two sets down to defeat Kyle Edmund 3-6 1-6 6-2 6-1 6-0.
