Right, that’s it from us. Stick around on site for all the reports and reaction from Glasgow and join us again tomorrow for game-by-game coverage of the potentially pivotal doubles. But for now, cheerio!
End of day one: Great Britain 1-1 Australia
A tremendous effort from both players, with Tomic’s superior power telling in the end.
Tomic wins in four sets
Fourth set: Evans 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 4-6 Tomic
Evans runs off for a loo break as Tomic winces in discomfort on his chair. The crowd roar his return but the bulk of them are soon groaning after Evans nets at the end of another epic lung-bursting rally. It’s soon 30-0 and Tomic finds a spring in his step and a fizz in his groundstrokes. Evans can’t quite handy the pace and goes wild and wide – 40-0. Three match points for Tomic and Australia. And he takes the first, courtesy of an exhausted Evans backhand that drifts wide with the court gaping.
Fourth set: Evans 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 4-5 *Tomic (*denotes next server)
Tomic looks the more knackered of the two – indeed he’s almost at a standstill over the first few points. He’s still able to crunch a winner past Evans for 15-15 but a couple of tired forehands go long to bring up 40-15. And Tomic nets the next second serve. He’ll serve for the match for the third time next.
Fourth set: *Evans 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 3-5 Tomic (*denotes next server)
Tomic doesn’t do enough with a forehand to bring up 15-15 but an ace takes him to within two points of the match. He nets what should be a regulation forehand, though, and we’re back at 30-30. Next up: a quite stunning rally that squeezes every last ounce of effort from the players’ legs. Eventually Tomic goes wide with a backhand and Evans has a break point … which he takes! These two are utterly exhausted.
Fourth set: Evans 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 2-5 *Tomic (*denotes next server)
Tomic hammers a forehand return down the line to bring up 15-15 and Evans nets a tired backhand for 15-30. You can feel the tension in the Glasgow crowd but the Australian sends a thunking forehand long to ease the pressure and a mis-hit brings up 40-30. Evans serves-and-volleys in the next, but Tomic sends his return fizzing onto his opponent’s toes and he can only net the volley. Deuce. Evans copes rather better with another awkward volley, though, to give him advantage but we’re back at deuce after he goes wide with a cross-court pass. A wild backhand hands the advantage to Tomic and Australia have a break point … but Evans produces a nerveless drop-shot to save, then goes long with a lob to bring up another break point. This time he can’t produce a moment of magic. Tomic has a double break and we’re on the verge of this semi-final being all-square.
Fourth set: *Evans 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 2-4 Tomic (*denotes next server)
What a shot from Evans as he pulls off the forehand cross-court pass! You wonder when you see him conjuring up shots like that why he isn’t much higher up the rankings than he is. There’s no doubt he has the talent. His motivation has been found wanting at times, but credit to him for the fight he’s shown here. Evans has a break point at his advantage, but doesn’t take it. He’s 0-5 on break points in this set. He’s pushing, but just can’t get that break.
Fourth set: Evans 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 2-3 Tomic* (*denotes next server)
A ridiculous nonchalant return winner from Tomic on the fourth point, 40-15. Which becomes 40-30 when Evans double faults. Tomic then flicks away another casual winner and it’s deuce. Evans steps in to punish the short ball, his advantage. Another Tomic winner, deuce. But from the sublime to the ridiculous ... a bad error from Tomic and it’s Evans’s advantage. Evans comes through and fist pumps his way back to his chair. He then has a word with the umpire but it’s not clear what it’s about.
Fourth set: *Evans 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 1-3 Tomic (*denotes next server)
But Tomic – who you’d expect to be the stronger physically – looks to be struggling too, especially when stepping in after the serve. For the second successive game on Tomic’s serve, Evans has two chances to break. But he doesn’t do enough on the volley and Tomic clips away the winner. Tomic averts the second danger too. And comes through from deuce. Almost identical to the second game in this set.
Fourth set: Evans 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 1-2 Tomic* (*denotes next server)
Evans recovers from the disappointment of the missed break points with a super quick hold. He’s less speedy at the changeover as he has the trainer on for some more treatment on his right thigh. He isn’t used to playing best-of-five set matches this season, given he’s been competing in Futures and Challengers.
Fourth set: *Evans 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 0-2 Tomic (*denotes next server)
A vicious, skidding pass from Tomic at 0-30 down reduces his arrears to 15-30. Then it’s Evans’s turn to come up with a winner, this one unexpected and improvised. Even Tomic throws his hands up as if to say: “What can I do about that?” A chance for Evans to break straight back. But he doesn’t. Tomic steadies himself, fending off the two break chances, and he then sends down two huge serves to consolidate the break.
Updated
Fourth set: Evans 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 0-1 Tomic* (*denotes next server)
So Evans, with all the momentum from that third set, only goes and falls 15-40 down. He gets one of the break points back fairly easily, but the second is a far greater fight as he reels Tomic in with the drop shot and lobs the Australian, who is left scrambling around at the back of the court. Deuce. Another break point, advantage Tomic. This time Evans can’t repeat the escape and is broken. He looks absolutely furious with himself.
Great effort by @Evo151216 to make a match of this. Never given up
— Simon Cambers (@scambers73) September 18, 2015
Evans wins the third set tie-break 7-4!
Evans misses his first serve, makes his second, the pair go at each other from the baseline before advancing to the net ... a desperate volley from Tomic goes wide! Phew. What a turnaround. From Tomic serving for the match, Evans has won the third set and we’re heading to a fourth.
Updated
Third set tie-break: *Evans 6-4 Tomic (*denotes next server)
Tomic makes the pass ... no, he doesn’t! It’s called out! Evans has two set points!
Third set tie-break: *Evans 5-4 Tomic (*denotes next server)
Evans is left slipping and scrambling on the return
Third set tie-break: Evans 5-3 Tomic* (*denotes next server)
Evans pulls off a remarkable drop shot and he has the mini-break!
Third set tie-break: Evans 4-3 Tomic* (*denotes next server)
A stunning ovation for Evans as he switches sides. Another nervy shot from Tomic
Third set tie-break: *Evans 3-3 Tomic (*denotes next server)
A tight, tight shot from Tomic and they’re all square as they change ends
Third set tie-break: *Evans 2-3 Tomic (*denotes next server)
Tomic takes the next two points to keep this on serve
Third set tie-break: Evans 2-1 Tomic* (*denotes next server)
And then thwacks away a smash to banish the memory of his missed one in the previous game
Third set tie-break: *Evans 1-1 Tomic (*denotes next server)
He makes amends with an ace
Third set tie-break: *Evans 0-1 Tomic (*denotes next server)
A forehand error from Evans
Third set: Evans 3-6, 6-7, 6-6 Tomic* (*denotes next server)
Ace, 15-0. Netted return, 30-0. A wild and wayward smash from Evans, 30-15. An errant backhand from Tomic, 40-15. Another ace, game. And we’re into the breaker ...
Third set:* Evans 3-6, 6-7, 5-6 Tomic (*denotes next server)
At 40-15, Tomic looks comfortable. But then Hawk-Eye goes against him, and Evans finds his way to deuce. An opening for Evans ... but he hoiks his backhand wide. And Tomic doesn’t give Evans another chance. Evans needs to hold his serve here to force another tie-break.
Third set: Evans 3-6, 6-7, 5-5 Tomic* (*denotes next server)
Tomic doesn’t take a time-out though, so we’re back under way. Tomic is looking a little sluggish and Evans, boosted by that break when Tomic was serving for the match, is now almost dancing around the court, skipping his way to 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game. Suddenly he looks like he thinks he can win this set.
Third set: *Evans 3-6, 6-7, 4-5 Tomic (*denotes next server)
Tomic is serving to level this tie at 1-1. A few signs of nerves, perhaps, as he slips 15-30 behind. Tomic’s inside-out forehand then faces off against Evans’s cross-court backhand, before the pair change tack and Evans brings up two break points! 8,000 people groan when Evans nets. And there’s another collective sigh as Tomic sends down a pinpoint ace. Deuce. But here’s another break point as Evans somehow pulls off a forehand cross-court winner on the run, while scurrying from the other side of the court! Again Tomic snuffs out the danger. Fantastic serving. Deuce No2. Break point No4! And Evans breaks when Tomic, under massive pressure, can only push into the tramlines! We’re back on serve! And the trainer is on, this time for Tomic, just to add to the drama.
Third set: Evans 3-6, 6-7, 3-5 Tomic* (*denotes next server)
So this is a game Evans must not lose. And win it he does, boom, boom, boom, boom. There’s a hold to love. What pressure?
Third set: *Evans 3-6, 6-7, 2-5 Tomic (*denotes next server)
A forehand winner out of nothing the highlight in a straightforward hold for Tomic.
Third set: Evans 3-6, 6-7, 2-4 Tomic* (*denotes next server)
Evans winces as he slaps into the net, 0-15. He’s got his head in his hands after the next point after the ball slumps into almost exactly the same spot, 0-30. He regroups to get to 30-all, then puffs out his cheeks a little when he gets to 40-30, and affords himself a little skip when Tomic goes high and wide on the return to concede the game.
Third set: *Evans 3-6, 6-7, 1-4 Tomic (*denotes next server)
Tomic holds serve quicker than you can say “Australia lead by four games to one”. No sign of Tomic easing up close to the victory line. 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game.
Third set: Evans 3-6, 6-7, 1-3 Tomic* (*denotes next server)
At 15-all, Tomic rattles away a forehand winner off the return. 15-30. Could this be another break for the Australian? No, because Evans comes back, aided by a couple of errors from Tomic. Evans opens his account in this third set but it may only be a matter of pride.
Third set: *Evans 3-6, 6-7, 0-3 Tomic (*denotes next server)
Tomic tries to curl a forehand down the line past Evans, who is able to volley away the winner. Great touch. 30-all. At 40-30, another Tomic forehand down the line misses by a whisker. The Australian goes to Hawk-Eye but that only confirms the shot was out. Undeterred, Tomic goes for the other line on the next point. This time he makes it. And then holds.
Third set: Evans 3-6, 6-7, 0-2 Tomic* (*denotes next server)
Tomic begins the third set with an easy hold. Evans begins the third set by dropping serve. At 15-30, Evans’s backhand loops long. He then thwacks a smash well out. If his task wasn’t hard enough already ...
A fine effort from Evans in that set but when it came to the decisive breaker, the world No300 was second best to the world No23. And where’s the shame in that? It’s hard to see Evans coming back from a two-sets deficit. Which seems a good time to bring in Simon McMahon: “Afternoon Katy. Despite Dan’s best efforts, this tie is going to come down to what happens in tomorrow’s doubles, isn’t it? In which case Leon Smith has to partner Jamie Murray with brother Andy, no? Especially after Andy’s light workout earlier today. And the fact it’s in Glasgow. And also because I’m going to be there to see it. Nothing against Dom Inglot, but, well, you know ...” Agreed, Simon. Surely Leon Smith will go with Andy Murray tomorrow, as he did in the quarter-final against France.
Evans has an injury time-out, he’s getting treatment on his calf, which gives himself a little bit more time before coming out for the third set.
Tomic takes the tie-break 7-2, in control at 6-3 7-6. Cue Crowded House, who I thought were from NZ - http://t.co/u3EWCGAu3o #daviscup
— Piers Newbery (@piersnewbery) September 18, 2015
Updated
Tomic wins the second-set tie-break 7-2
And takes it on the first with a ripping return
Updated
Second set tie-break: *Evans 2-6 Tomic
Evans’s shot – and perhaps his hopes of winning this set – end up in the net. Tomic has four set points ...
Second set tie-break: *Evans 2-5 Tomic
Evans overcooks an inside-out forehand
Second set tie-break: Evans 2-4 Tomic*
An ace down the T from Tomic as the players change ends
Second set tie-break: Evans 2-3 Tomic*
Tomic’s tame slice lands in the net
Second set tie-break: *Evans 1-3 Tomic
Tomic’s lob lands long to get Evans on the board
Second set tie-break: *Evans 0-3 Tomic
Tomic takes control by crashing away the smash
Second set tie-break: Evans 0-2 Tomic*
Evans hits into almost the same spot in the tramlines
Second set tie-break: Evans 0-1 Tomic*
Evans goes wide with an attempted pass
Second set: *Evans 3-6, 6-6 Tomic
Evans sees an opening on the first point and winds up on the forehand ... but nets. 15-0. Evans bosses the second point at the net and settles matters with a backhand volley. Then, Evans decides to stay back, absorbing what Tomic has and then bamboozling the Australian with a low slice. 15-30. But credit to Tomic. Under pressure not only from Evans but also the screaming Scots, he reels off the next three points to force a tie-break.
Second set: Evans 3-6, 6-5 Tomic* (*denotes next server)
Squeak, squeak, thwack. Squeak, squeak, squeak, thwack. Plenty of manoeuvring and big hitting on the opening point. Evans emerges victorious. 15-0. Another delicate drop shot brings up 40-15. A stray forehand from Tomic and that’s the game. Evans is feeding off the crowd now and Tomic, once again, will have to hold serve to remain in this second set.
Second set: *Evans 3-6, 5-5 Tomic (*denotes next server)
A cute drop shot on the second point from Evans. Tomic barely moves. 15-all. Andy Murray’s back in the arena after his post-match press conference and he must have appreciated that. But that’s as good as it gets for Evans in this game as Tomic takes the next three points – the last with an ace – to hold.
Second set: Evans 3-6, 5-4 Tomic* (*denotes next server)
There’s a sense that Evans has settled into the pace and rhythm of this match. It’s no surprise it took him a while, considering this is the first top-100 player he’s faced in over a year. While he’s in great form, having won 29 of his past 32 matches, they have been on the third-tier Futures circuit. This is a complete step up in class. At 30-all, Evans’s bravery isn’t rewarded as his effort flies just wide. 30-40, break point. But Evans is holding the aces as he sends down two big missiles. Advantage Evans, make that game.
Second set: *Evans 3-6, 4-4 Tomic (*denotes next server)
“LET’S GO EVO, LET’S GO. LET’S GO EVO, LET’S GO” is the current chant as Evans gives himself a chance on the Tomic serve at 30-all. But the next shot is netted to give Tomic game point. Evans draws Tomic in with the drop shot, but the Australian is on to it, scampers in to the net to pick it up and manages to stick away the resulting volley.
All eyes on Evans. Including those belonging to Andy Murray. pic.twitter.com/Q3rKcCPs2s
— BBC Tennis (@bbctennis) September 18, 2015
Second set: Evans 3-6, 4-3 Tomic* (*denotes next server)
The twists and turns of tennis, eh? No sooner does Evans break, than he finds himself in a bit of trouble at 0-30. A winning volley brings it back to 15-30. A strong serve hauls it back to 30-all. A 100mph second serve into Tomic’s body moves him ahead to 40-30. Evans, skipping around the baseline, then scrambling as Tomic puts him under pressure, prevails in a lengthy exchange. Evans nudges ahead in this second set. Game on.
Updated
Second set: *Evans 3-6, 3-3 Tomic (*denotes next server)
A cagey exchange on the opening point, neither are really going for it, until Evans comes in, flicks away a lovely overhead and forces the Tomic error. 0-15. Which turns into 0-30. The pair go cross-court forehand to cross-court forehand and seemingly, under little pressure, Tomic goes long! 0-40, three break points. And Evans breaks at the first time of asking when Tomic again makes the error! A sloppy game from Tomic but Evans is getting some momentum behind him here.
Second set: Evans 3-6, 2-3 Tomic* (*denotes next server)
Evans recovers from the disappointment by holding to love. He’s more involved in this set than he was in the first but still finds himself a break down.
Second set: *Evans 3-6, 1-3 Tomic (*denotes next server)
Evans, to his credit, pushes to 0-30 on the Tomic serve. He then stays too far behind the baseline and is bullied into losing the next point, 15-30. But what have we here? Two break points, Evans’s first of the match! Tomic cooly dispatches a forehand winner. And then puts away the volley too. Deuce. At advantage Tomic, the Australian’s forehand is called out. He challenges, but it’s in vain. Deuce. Advantage Tomic. Deuce, as Evans conjures up a magical lob. I’m sure Murray liked that one. Advantage Tomic, game Tomic. Lleyton Hewitt offers his applause. A missed chance for Evans there.
Second set: Evans 3-6, 1-2 Tomic* (*denotes next server)
Evans affords himself a little “COME ON” as he comes from 15-30 down to go 40-30 ahead. He just about does enough on the next point as his backhand slice draws the error from Tomic. Evans did actually beat Tomic at the 2013 US Open from a set and a break down. But lightning doesn’t strike twice, does it?
Second set: *Evans 3-6, 0-2 Tomic (*denotes next server)
15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game. Tomic rubs salt into Evans’s wounds with an 87 mph ace. Leon Smith looks subdued courtside, perhaps reflecting on his decision to play Evans rather than James Ward or Kyle Edmund. This is a gamble that looks like it’s backfiring.
Second set: Evans 3-6, 0-1 Tomic* (*denotes next server)
Thanks Niall. Hello again! An inauspicious start to the set from Evans as he double faults. Tomic slices and dices the Briton into submission on the next point. Evans nets. 0-30, that’s six straight points for Tomic. But it’s not to be seven as Evans puts away a lovely forehand drop volley. The next rally plays out at what seems like half pace and, under little pressure, Evans makes the error. 15-40. And Evans gets off the worst possible start in the second set by being broken.
Tomic wins the first set 6-3!
Two thunderous aces, then an overhit return, bring up three set points, and Evans nets a return. Just like that, it’s one-nil to Tomic. Evans can compete when he can get Tomic in a rally, but on the Australian’s serve, that isn’t happening often. Time to hand you back to Katy Murrells for the rest of the match...
First set: Evans 3-5 Tomic* (*denotes next server) Evans, serving to stay in the set, opens with another ace, then adjusts his body well to dispatch a looping Tomic return. Another ace, Evans making good use of the new balls, and a netted Tomic return bring up the easiest hold for the Briton so far.
First set: *Evans 2-5 Tomic (*denotes next server) The jig looked up in this first set for Evans there, but he fought back well. Evans opts not to challenge when a forehand is called wide, and a third drop shot is read, and dealt with contemptuously, by Tomic. An ace completes another straightforward hold for Tomic, who is one game away from snaring the first set. The PA blasts out ‘Blurred Lines’. Interesting choice.
First set: Evans 2-4 Tomic* (*denotes next server) Evans opens with a double fault, but another sweetly executed drop shot restores parity. A serve out wide is thrashed back into the corner, and Evans nets to hand Tomic two break points. An ace down the T saves the first, a well-timed serve and volley saves the second, and then two more aces for a gutsy hold. Cue some discordant sax from the crowd.
First set: *Evans 1-4 Tomic (*denotes next server) Evans is struggling to make a dent on the Tomic serve, and despite winning a net duel to claw it back to 30-15, he’s soon sunk by two unreturnable serves.
First set: Evans 1-3 Tomic* (*denotes next server) Evans has beaten Tomic before, but is already facing a battle to get close again; the slow court rather plays into the hands of the big-hitting Australian. Evans gets his first serve going to move to 30-0, and then shows up the static Tomic with a lovely sliced volley. An ace closes it out, and Evans is on the board.
Updated
First set: *Evans 0-3 Tomic (*denotes next server) Curious start from Tomic, meandering through points, waiting for unforced errors that haven’t come, but ripping winners past Evans almost at will. Another fearsome service game is closed out with an ace, and Tomic holds to love in about 10% of the time it took Evans to fight through his first service game.
First set: Evans 0-2 Tomic* (*denotes next server) A nervy double fault puts Evans in a spot of bother, but he sends his opponent the wrong way with a nice disguised forehand. 30-all, and Tomic goes on the defensive before firing a cross-court winner. Break point, saved with an unconvincing overhead smash that has just enough on it. Tomic fires another unstoppable cross-court shot, but Evans grinds out the next point, then nets timidly for a third break point – but again, Evans battles back, and gets the advantage when Tomic fires long. Tomic then fires two winners in quick succession, and after toying with Evans for a few shots, forces the error as Evans nets.
First set: *Evans 0-1 Tomic (*denotes next server) Off we go then, and Evans moves smartly into the net, putting away a volley to make it 15-15. Three aces later, it’s 1-0 to Tomic – with Evans challenging the second, perhaps just because he can.
Thanks Katy. Hello everyone! After a quick break for the PA to pump out some tunes, it’s time for Great Britain v Australia, part two – Dan Evans v Bernard Tomic.
Evans hasn’t played an ATP tour level match for over a year, but has been given the nod on account of his good recent form in Challenger events, and an unconventional style that could unsettle the world No23. Judging by his pre-game interview, he’s also so laid-back he’s practically horizontal, which should help if things gets fractious out there.
As Dan Evans and Bernard Tomic get ready for the second rubber, it’s time to hand you over to Niall McVeigh. I’ll leave you with some stats to chew over ...
Andy Murray "The crowd was amazing from 1st ball to last. We need the same for Dan" http://t.co/Lb2uJL9aZP #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/rxBKUFSazI
— BBC Tennis (@bbctennis) September 18, 2015
.@andy_murray now 24-2 in @DavisCup singles, giving Great Britain lead vs. Australia in SFs. http://t.co/C0SHPBGLi9 pic.twitter.com/Vhq6x2ZSDP
— ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) September 18, 2015
Updated
Murray speaks:
The crowd was excellent, from the first ball to the last. We need exactly the same for Dan [Evans] in the next match [against Bernard Tomic]. He has an opportunity but he needs all the support.
I was hitting the ball clean right from the beginning. Once I managed to get the break I settled down and didn’t give him any chances on my serve.
It’s different being part of a team. It’s a proud moment, I love it. I’ve always performed my best when I play for my country.
Murray wins 6-3, 6-0, 6-3!
A classic one-two punch from Murray makes it 0-15. An unforced error – there haven’t been too many of those today – and it’s 15-all. Which becomes 15-30. Murray is potentially two points away from giving Britain a 1-0 lead in his semi-final... An excellent play from Murray brings up two match points: Murray misses the first when he can only net the return but he makes no mistake on the second with a backhand return winner – an apt way to round things off, considering how formidable his backhand has been today. He raises his arms, throws in a fist pump or two, shakes the hands of the rest of the British team and takes some applause from his captain, Leon Smith. A stunning start from Murray.
Updated
Third set: Murray 6-3, 6-0, 5-3 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game. Kokkinakis must hold serve to stay in this match ...
Third set: *Murray 6-3, 6-0, 4-3 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
A rare collective sigh as Murray nets and Kokkinakis comes through to 30. Credit to the young Australian for not giving up but he probably has more chance of climbing Ben Nevis in the next 10-15 minutes or so than taking this to a fourth set.
Third set: Murray 6-3, 6-0, 4-2 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
The ball’s really thudding off the court due to the slow conditions. That – combined with the squeak of the players’ shoes, which is more noticeable indoors – means the points are playing out something like this: squeak, thud, squeak, thud, squeak, thud, squeak, thud, squeak, thud. Murray’s still landing more thuds than Kokkinakis and there’s another love hold.
Third set: *Murray 6-3, 6-0, 3-2 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Even when Kokkinakis thinks he’s hit a winner, Murray gets a racket to it and then forces the Australian into an error. 30-all. From there Murray concedes a rare game. But the crowd tell Murray they still love him.
Third set: Murray 6-3, 6-0, 3-1 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
I’m not sure how impressed the tee-total Murray – once described by his former coach Brad Gilbert as “the only Scottish guy ever who doesn’t drink” – will be by the amount of alcohol that appears to be getting consumed in the stands today. But there’s no doubting how impressed the crowd are by his tennis; Murray comes up with perhaps his best backhand winner of the day – one which swerves into the tramlines mid-flight before dipping in down the line – to consolidate the break to 15.
Third set: *Murray 6-3, 6-0, 2-1 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Murray wears Kokkinakis down, hitting deep, deep, deep until the Australian dishes up a short ball and Murray gobbles it away for a winner. 15-30, 15-40, two points for a break in this third set. Just the one will do it as Murray smacks away a forehand return winner.
Third set: Murray 6-3, 6-0, 1-1 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Another blink-and-you’ll-miss-it service game from Murray. His serving stats are all the more impressive considering how slow the court is playing. Surely Murray will replace Dom Inglot in tomorrow’s doubles rubber, to play alongside his brother, Jamie, given how little time it looks like he’ll spend on court today?
Updated
Third set: *Murray 6-3, 6-0, 0-1 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
“What a message this is sending out to the rest of the Australian team,” says John Lloyd on the BBC as the Aussie Fanatics sit subdued. And it’s not often that happens. Though to be fair to the Fanatics, when they are on song they seem more, well, fanatic than the British fans. Even when the home fans are screaming there’s something a bit too genteel, a bit too British about them. I reckon eight Fanatics could take out the near-8,000 Brits if they wanted. But anyway, Kokkinakis stops the rot and ensures there won’t be another whitewash by squeaking through his service game. He finishes off with a nerveless overhead too.
Updated
Murray wins the second set 6-0!
And you know how this script goes, right? 15-0, 30-0, but no! Crisis! Murray has dropped a point on serve! 40-15. Crisis over. Phew. And there’s the second set as Murray darts a backhand winner down the line. He gets a little pat on the back from his captain, Leon Smith, as well he should after that masterclass.
U can't beat a bit of Proclaimers at the changeovers..."I'm on my way from misery to happiness uh huh". #DavisCup
— judy murray (@judmoo) September 18, 2015
Updated
Second set: *Murray 6-3, 5-0 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
And Murray isn’t giving Kokkinakis a look-in on the Australian’s own serve either. 0-15, 0-30, 0-40, game. This has turned into a procession. They’ve only been playing for about 20 minutes in this set and Murray’s about to serve for it.
The opening match for Murray turning into a cake walk. Ruthless and efficient. He will be well rested for the doubles?
— Greg Rusedski (@GregRusedski1) September 18, 2015
Updated
Second set: Murray 6-3, 4-0 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Murray just isn’t giving his opponent a look-in on his serve. He hasn’t dropped a point on serve since his opening service game. And look, here’s another hold to love.
Updated
Second set: *Murray 6-3, 3-0 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
And here could be another break. Kokkinakis looks in trouble at 15-30. He hauls himself to 30-all. Murray lands another blow with a backhand winner. 30-40. And Kokkinakis can’t drag himself off the canvas this time, as he dinks a forehand volley wide. Double break Murray. The foam fingers, flags and face-painted fans look a little frenzied.
Second set: Murray 6-3, 2-0 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
The former British Davis Cup player Jamie Baker makes the point on the BBC: “The challenge realistically now for Kokkinakis is not whether he can win the match but how much he can take out of Andy for the next two matches.” Well he can’t take much out of Murray on the world No 3’s serve. Murray’s at 86% on his first serve and has won 18 of 19 first-serve points. So, yes, you’ve guessed it, here’s another hold.
A set up, 2-0 up & looking imperious Andy Murray said he brings his form to the #DavisCup http://t.co/rTGQ2gMue0 pic.twitter.com/juWaUFNWli
— BBC Tennis (@bbctennis) September 18, 2015
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Second set: *Murray 6-3, 1-0 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
A wonderful improvised one-handed backhand lob from Murray leaves the 6ft 5in Kokkinakis looking more like the 5ft 5in Kokkinakis. 0-15. 0-30. The pair go left and right and left and right before Kokkinakis opts to mix things up by stepping forward. He’s passed. He should have stuck to the left and right moves. 0-40, three break points. And Murray breaks. Brutal. The Australia captain, Wally Masur, shakes his head. Kokkinakis is not playing badly but Murray just isn’t missing today.
Murray wins the first set 6-3!
The crowd decide to mix up the “HERE WE GOES” with some “SUPER ANDYS”, “OLAYS” and some plain old “COME ON ANDYS”. All of which seem to do the trick, as Murray wins four answered points, sends down his fourth ace and takes the set. Glasgow roars.
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First set: *Murray 5-3 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
So ... Kokkinakis serving to stay in this opening set. The BBC commentators are already taking about where the tie would be played if Britain reach the final. Steady on guys, it’s only the first break in the first set of the first match of the tie. As if to make a point, Kokkinakis goes 40-15 ahead. But maybe he lets his mind wander as well, because a couple of loose points and it’s deuce. Could Murray be two points from the set? No, because Kokkinakis holds from there. But now the set is on Murray’s racket ...
First set: Murray 5-2 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Murray consolidates the break as quickly as you can say “15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game Great Britain. New balls please ...”
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First set: *Murray 4-2 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
... which he looks in a good position to do at 0-30. Kokkinakis then goes back behind Murray, wrongfooting the Briton, who is stranded as the Australian’s forehand flies in for a winner. 15-30. Kokkinakis goes long, 15-40, another two break points to add to the three from previous games. Kokkinakis fends off the first with an unreturned serve. This teenager is calm under pressure. He then plays an even more impressive point on the second break chance, always in charge of the point, and Murray can only chop into the net. Deuce, advantage Kokkinakis. The BBC offers the first of probably 231 apologies this weekend for Murray’s “colourful” language. But a cursing Murray is often the most combative one and he rattles off the next three points to break with a great return! So after half an hour Murray finally has the breakthrough.
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First set: Murray 3-2 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
15-0, 30-0, 40-0. And a first ace for Murray makes it game. Murray hasn’t been troubled on serve yet, he’s got a 79% first-serve percentage. But he now needs to jump over that extra hurdle on Kokkinakis’s serve by breaking.
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First set: *Murray 2-2 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
Kokkinakis again finds himself in a bit of a hole on serve. At 15-30, Murray steps in several feet inside the baseline on the second serve, and blazes a backhand winner down the line. That’ll tell Kokkinakis for not getting enough length on the serve. 15-40, two break points. Which becomes only one at 30-40. Which becomes none at deuce as Kokkinakis toughs it out in a long rally before darting a forehand down the line which Murray can only net. A Kokkinakis drive volley gets him to advantage, the umpire Jake Garner overrules on the next point, which gives the Australian the game. Murray opts not to challenge so we’re all square.
First set: Murray 2-1 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
This court is almost more like an outdoor clay court than an indoor hard one. It’s playing slow and heavy, meaning winners so far have been few and far between. It shouldn’t be enough of a problem to trouble Murray today but the longer rallies may be an issue for Murray physically the longer this tie goes on given he will most likely have to play three matches. But anyway, I digress. Murray drops his first points on serve but from 30-all charges through to hold.
First set: *Murray 1-1 Kokkinakis (*denotes next server)
More “HERE WE GO, HERE WE GO, HERE WE GOES” when Kokkinakis slips 0-15 down. The pair then engage in a lengthy exchange, both seem to be feeling each other out from the baseline, getting a sense of the weight of each other’s ball, neither attempt to really pull the trigger, and Murray blinks first. 15-all, Kokkinakis’s first point of the match. Which becomes 30-all. Kokkinakis thwacks away any hope Murray might have had of a break point with a second-serve ace. But the Australian then balances that out with a double fault. Deuce, advantage Murray. A chance for the Scot sorry Briton to break in the Australian’s first service game. Murray attempts to cut Kokkinakis up by slicing low to his opponent’s backhand, but Kokkinakis is on to it and saves the break point. Deuce. Advantage Kokkinakis. Deuce. Advantage Kokkinakis. Game Kokkinakis but Murray has shown the Australian what to expect – this isn’t going to be easy for the 19-year-old.
First set: Murray 1-0 Kokkinakis* (*denotes next server)
Right ladies and gentlemen, the players are ready, let’s begin. Murray wins a quick first point. “HERE WE GO, HERE WE GO, HERE WE GO,” chant the crowd. Murray takes the second when Kokkinakis goes wide on the return. 30-0. A longer rally on the third point, Murray prevails with a winning volley. 40-0. An overcooked return from Kokkinakis. Game Murray, four unanswered points, almost the perfect start.
The GB captain, Leon Smith, has been talking to the BBC about the decision to pick Dan Evans over the out-of-form James Ward and the (slightly) injured Kyle Edmund:
It was a very difficult decision. James Ward has played a massive part over the years but I felt it wasn’t the right time for him on the back of a tough summer and I hope he can regroup and fight for the place.
For Kyle Edmund he has had a terrific year. Great progress and I was edging towards him but he went over his ankle and although not a serious injury it planted some doubts. I don’t think you can risk that.
So I brought in Dan Evans, the summer he has had a lot of matches and a lot of wins. Certain things in his game he can cause problems. I know his personality suits big crowds in the Davis Cup.
Much has been made of how Murray’s early fourth-round exit at the US Open may mean he’s a little fresher for this tie. It certainly left him with a few more days to practise for this semi-final. Though perhaps it left him with too much time on his hands because apparently he drove the 420-odd miles from his Surrey home to Glasgow. You’d think a man who’s earned $40m during his career would have preferred a private jet.
Tik! Tok! Tikity! Tok! Murray and Kokkinakis are back out and warming up.
Sensational reception for the Aegon GB @DavisCup Team as they walk onto court to take on #Australia! #BackTheBrits pic.twitter.com/J0tcDKPGaG
— British Tennis (@BritishTennis) September 18, 2015
The teams walk off court before Murray v Kokkinakis. While we wait for the players to return for the warm-up, this New York Times interactive on the childhood courts of the Murray brothers, the Williams sisters, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and more is well worth a click. Nothing to do with the Davis Cup, mind, but a lovely read/watch/listen.
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Plenty of balloon clappers clapping and flags frantically fluttering as the British team is announced at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow. The national anthems follow. Jamie Murray and Dan Evans opt to do a Corbyn and keep quiet. And at least the bagpipes haven’t been banned here ...
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Preamble
Good afternoon and welcome to coverage of the opening match of this Davis Cup semi-final, a tie in which Andy Murray will most likely have to win his two singles matches – and possibly tomorrow’s doubles if he’s drafted in to play alongside his brother, Jamie – if Great Britain are to reach their first final in 37 years. That’s potentially up to 15 sets of tennis for Britain’s trump card over three days.
But Murray would probably be prepared to play 693 sets of tennis this weekend if it meant Britain tore up the history books. Not only are they reaching for a first final since 1978, this is their first semi-final since 1981 and they’re looking for a first title since a Fred Perry-inspired GB won in 1936. So Murray, having managed to shake a Perry-sized monkey off his back in 2013 by becoming the first British man to win Wimbledon since 1936, is now aiming to shake another Perry-sized monkey off his – and the team’s – back here.
Murray’s opponent today is his sometimes hitting partner Thanasi Kokkinakis, the talented 19-year-old world No72, who was unwittingly catapulted into the headlines last month when he was the subject of that infamous Nick Kyrgios sledge at Stan Wawrinka. This is the first meeting between Murray and Kokkinakis but there won’t be many surprises for Murray given how well he knows the Australian’s game. They also played doubles together earlier this season.
Kokkinakis says: “I’m very excited. Playing Andy first up is crazy. It will be an unreal experience for me. I’m not sure whether knowing him well helps or hinders.”
Murray says: “I spend a lot of time watching and speaking to him, so I know his game well. He’s a very explosive player but at the same time it’s a tough match-up for him as well, and the atmosphere will be challenging for them. When we played here [in Glasgow] in March [against the USA] it was great and I expect the same again this weekend. I would imagine it will be even better.”
The players will be on court at: 1pm BST. So gather your union jack suits, foam fingers and headache-inducing balloon clappers and don’t be late.
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Hello. Katy will be here shortly for the first day of Great Britain’s Davis Cup semi-final against Australia. Andy Murray plays world No72 Thanasi Kokkinakis in the first singles rubber, followed by Dan Evans against Bernard Tomic. Evans has been called into the team ahead of James Ward after the first-choice Kyle Edmund suffered an injury, and Murray believes that the British No8 can deliver on this landmark occasion:
“Dan’s talent has never been in question and I also think he has the sort of personality that gets up for big matches and big occasions. Obviously some players can freeze in those situations but I don’t think that is in his personality, I think he will handle it fine.
“There will be nerves but I think he will handle them. He has a game that is different to the other players on our team. It’s not a game loads of guys on the tour play nowadays ... He has played against Tomic before and won. He has a way of playing that will be tricky for Bernard but obviously Dan has to play a high level of tennis.
“That is the reality, we are playing against top players here and if we want to win we are all going to have play extremely well, but I trust Leon’s decision. He has made many hard decisions in the past. There are never any guarantees anyway, but I trust Leon’s decision and hopefully it pays off over the weekend.”
