Murray leads GB to Davis Cup glory

Andy Murray has ended Great Britain’s 79 year wait for the Davis Cup title, after the world number two overcame David Goffin 6-3 7-5 6-3. Both players overall contributed to a high quality yet physical encounter but the Brit was overall too strong for his opponent, winning the decisive points to earn a memorable victory.

In the first set, both players fashioned early opportunities with some great tennis, but it was Murray who made the breakthrough at 3-2, converting a break point with a scintillating return. The Belgian was also making a high quality contribution to the match, but Murray’s exceptional athleticism and deep groundstrokes ensured he would maintain his lead. Despite failing to capitalise on set points at 5-2, the Brit comfortably closed out the set in the following game.

As the second set unfolded, a similar pattern emerged with Goffin and Murray both holding chances to break serve. However, Murray delivered a few powerful serves on the vital points, whilst the Belgian held his nerve well to nudge ahead. The world number two continued to ease through his own service games as Goffin found it tougher to hold, but the Belgian was fighting hard to keep the Brit at bay.  Finally, at 5-5, Murray’s blend of aggression and ability to outlast his opponent in the gruelling rallies paid off, and he eventually sealed the crucial break. Serving for the set, Murray needed a series of blistering serves to erase a potential opportunity for Goffin, and the Brit seized the set in spectacular fashion, somehow producing an incredible winner whilst on the defensive.

In the third set, Goffin was under siege in his opening service game, but his resistance to save the early break points was eventually rewarded when his great attacking play extracted the advantage for a 2-0 lead. The Belgian had appeared to be responding well to the disappointment of losing the second set, but Murray’s variety saw him immediately retrieve the break back. The world number two was forced to save a break point with more devastating serving, and he stood firm to level the scoreline at 3-3. At this point, Goffin’s spirit was broken and he was unable to handle the relentless pressure from Murray, producing an error strewn game to gift the Brit the decisive break. The world number two was firmly in control of the match, and even though Goffin threatened to retrieve the deficit, Murray held strong to put Britain one step closer to victory. At 5-3, the Brit was on the brink as he held match points, and he converted it in spectacular style, delivering a trademark inch perfect lob to clinch a historic win for Great Britain, sealing their tenth Davis Cup title.

With this monumental victory, Murray can now add the Davis Cup to his already illustrious career, including his Olympic gold medal and his two grand slams.