The final act of a gripping match was one of its highlights, Murray defending for all he was worth before curling a delicious lob over his opponent and inside the baseline.
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He praised captain Leon Smith and team-mates James Ward, Kyle Edmund and Dan Evans for a run to the final that also featured wins over the United States and Australia.
Murray made sure he broke away to shake hands with Goffin and the whole Belgian team, and was then raised aloft by the rest of the British team.
“It was a nicer feeling than after Wimbledon”, he said. “I imagine it will take a few days before it really sinks in”, said the Scot.
Asked if the triumph should be marked with a parade, Murray – who won three points in the final – joked: “I’m not sure anyone would come, we’d just be going round London seeing sights on our own and waving at buildings”. In February I know that I’m not going to be playing any events.
Murray joined peers Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in achieving Davis Cup glory and is only the third man to add the title to Wimbledon success and Olympic gold.
The latest figures were more encouraging but the relatively narrow base is widely seen as the main reason why Britain’s strength in depth at the top of the game is so poor.
Britain were ranked a lowly 43rd having just lost to Lithuania and faced a play-off with Turkey to avoid being relegated to the bottom tier of the competition.
“He was all about the team, and clearly the best thing that we’ve always said about Andy Murray is he keeps winning, and especially when he wins in special moments like this”.
‘An unbelievable experience’ Jamie Murray posted the above picture on Instagram with the message “Davis Cup Winners 2015!!!”
But there is no doubt that Murray is the man primarily to thank.
“It’s incredible for all of us to watch how Andy’s managed to win that many rubbers”.
“I made him [Goffin] work hard for every single point, I’ll try and do that at the beginning of the year”. “We’re all grateful and proud of him”.
“Some players might find it beneficial to look over at their family but when they’re right there, you see when they’re stressed or nervous or pumped, and because you know them, you know what their expressions mean”.
It will be a concern to the team and the Lawn Tennis Association that Smith once again failed to affirm his commitment to the job.
The Times’s Dickinson said: “Soon there were six British players accepting their personal trophies, but it is Murray who has put Britain, improbably, on the summit of the tennis world”. He played some sensational tennis to stay with Murray in the second set but a exhausted forehand into the net in 11th game gave Murray a break and the Scot struck a stupendous forehand victor to seal the set. He was able to show his extra quality when it counted, particularly on serve, and ultimately that proved enough for victory.
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He won all 11 Davis Cup rubbers he played in – all of them live ones – including eight singles and three doubles. “I know he’ll say it’s about the team, but we are really thankful for what he does”. The crowd obviously helped with that. Three of those points came in the win over Belgium at the weekend. I was there in the first tie with Leon in Eastbourne and I’ve been pretty much present in every tie, which has been a great achievement for myself. It doesn’t happen too often.
