Only twice before in more than a century of Davis Cup tennis had Britain come from 0-2 down to win a tie, and one of those victories, against Russian Federation in Coventry in 2013, had been completed by Evans himself.
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Del Potro has twice spent long periods on the sidelines because of wrist problems, only returning from almost two years out in February. He is a former No.21 and had an unbeaten run of eight singles wins, which may have led his captain to place his trust in him instead of Del Potro, who had already played several hours of singles and doubles. “I have to go and see what’s up and get some treatment”, Murray said.
The Scot suffered an injury scare during his match against Guido Pella, with him struggling with a thigh problem. “His decision should 100% respected here, because he’s been through a lot, and none of us knows what that’s like”.
The other semi-final between Croatia and France also hangs in the balance, with 2005 winners Croatia heading into the final day in Zadar 2-1 up.
Evans admitted defeat for 2015 champions Great Britain had left a “raw” feeling in the camp. “We’ll have great memories from the last couple of years”.
There was the customary Davis Cup guts from Andy Murray at the Emirates Arena, but on this occasion no Davis Cup glory.
Attention then turned to Evans on Sunday afternoon as he faced off with Mayer but, despite taking the opening set with the only break of serve in the third game, the 26-year-old was unable to push on.
Once he cut those out and his big serve began to fire, Evans was in trouble and he could not change the momentum.
The result meant Murray’s efforts in dragging his body through the pain barrier were in vain.
After more than eight hours of tennis already in this tie and on the back of a gruelling summer, it was fantastic the world number two even had the energy to drag himself onto the court at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena.
That he came back from the medical time-out, broke serve at the first opportunity, then served his way to victory spoke to his commitment, while he paid tribute to the contribution of the home support, saying: “I never worry that, when I get out there, I’m going to feel flat”. When you start getting pain in your body it distracts you from hitting the ball and the tactics.
Trainer Shane Annun took his man off court and, while walking gingerly between points, Murray was more focused than ever on the resumption, winning five of the last six games. We are really fortunate to have those two boys.
“It went perfectly for us and I have enough time to prepare (for the final)”.
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I am sure Roarers will have several more interesting wins to share about regarding this glorious championship.
