The Argentines, who previously lost in the finals in 1981, 2006, 2008 and 2011, got another shot at the trophy after Leonardo Mayer sealed his team’s thrilling 3-2 win over defending champion Britain by beating Dan Evans in the deciding match of their semifinal tie on Sunday.
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Andy Murray hauled Great Britain level in their Davis Cup semi-final with Argentina following his comprehensive defeat of Guido Pella today.
Since then Murray has also been involved in the US Open and played in both the men’s singles and doubles matches against Argentina in the semi-final of the Davis Cup.
Murray, who partnered his big brother Jamie to doubles success on Saturday, made light work of Pella to claim his 30th win from 33 Davis Cup singles matches in just over two hours.
“Getting the ball back into the court was tough and when I did he played pretty well from the back”.
The victor of that semi-final will take on Croatia in the tournament’s final after Marin Cilic beat France’s Richard Gasquet 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 in Sunday’s other early encounter.
Great Britain’s Davis Cup captain Leon Smith feels it is important for his team members to now prove themselves on the ATP Tour.
Earlier, Murray had forced a fifth rubber with a straight-sets win over world number 49 Pella in two hours and 11 minutes despite not being in peak physical shape after his exertions over the previous two days.
Croatia, the 2005 champions, sealed their ticket to the November 25-27 final on home ground after Marin Cilic romped to a 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 win over Richard Gasquet and an unassailable lead over nine-time champions France in Zadar.
“I knew I was going to be in some pain this weekend and I spoke to my team about that it was going to be really hard”.
He said: “I had a few chances just to sort of get into the match to be honest”.
In specific response to Evans’ comments about feeling as though he let the side down, he said: “It’s a tennis match and you went out. all we ask for the players when they walk out the locker rooms is give your best effort – that’s all”.
As demonstrated yet again, Murray is the key ingredient and Smith hopes there will be no change from his commitment of the past few years.
Leon Smith praised his Davis Cup team as they nearly pulled off a remarkable comeback against Argentina in Glasgow.
The reason I had to go off is because I can’t get my nuts out on the court.
“We get together for Davis Cup two, three, in a great year four times – that’s wonderful and it’s a great experience, and it’s an important competition for us, but what the players are doing on the main tour is more important”.
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“He’s a great Davis Cup player, he absolutely loves it, but he has to be smart with his schedule next year”.
