So, after four hours, five sets, missed match points and some of the most absurd doubles tennis in recent memory, Great Britain have triumphed over an Australian team that made The Terminator look defeatist, and will take a 2-1 lead into tomorrow’s final two singles rubbers.
The long and the short of it is that if Andy Murray beats Bernard Tomic in tomorrow’s first game, Great Britain will be in the Davis Cup final. Given the miserable journey the British team has taken since their last appearance in 1978, it would be quite an achievement. Thanks for joining me. It’s been fun. Bye!
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A few words from the victorious brothers...
Andy: “Incredible to come back from the disappointment of the fourth set ... we kept making chances ... we stuck together, like brothers should (cue huge cheer)”
Jamie: “We kept fighting ... you’re never in control of the result but you do your best, that’s all you can do”
Andy: “We needed to keep the energy up at the start of the fifth ... we got a couple of quick holds, the crowd got right into it and helped us to the finish line ... that was emotionally draining as much as physical”
Jamie: “The crowd were so good, so noisy (cue another huge cheer). It’s amazing to come back to Scotland and play.”
Great Britain beat Australia 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 6-7 6-4 and lead the Davis Cup semi-final 2-1!
Groth, easily the most fragile of the four players out there, gets off to a bad start as he leaves a return that drops well inside the baseline. Hewitt rescues his partner on the next point, but Andy Murray is on hand to slip a volley between the two Australians – and he’s on hand again with a clinical return. Two match points for Great Britain... and this time they get it done, as Murray returns, and Hewitt goes long!
Fifth set: Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 6-7 5-4 Australia* (*denotes next server) Save for the (admittedly quite important) loss of serve at the end of the fourth, the Murray brothers have shown few signs of nerves, with the lively Glasgow crowd helping much more than certain other British crowds have done down the years. The British pair pull away in this game thanks to a smash from Andy Murray, and a rare missed return from Hewitt. Great Britain are one game away; we’ve said that before, we may say it again.
Fifth set: *Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 6-7 4-4 Australia (*denotes next server) Another game of utterly remarkable doubles tennis that’s rendered almost routine by what’s gone before, with another series of moon balls from the tiring Murrays as Australia look to wrestle the initiative. Groth eventually puts a smash away, and Australia hold. We are now effectively into sudden death; lose your serve, and you’ll need to break to stay in the match. No pressure.
Fifth set: Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 6-7 4-3 Australia* (*denotes next server) Little of the drama of that last service hold, as Jamie Murray races to 40-love, before a net cord gives Australia a chance. It’s snuffed out as Andy Murray thunks a smash into the deck. By the way, there’ll be no fifth-set tiebreak – this has to be won by two clear games. After four hours on court today, whatever happens, perhaps Murray adding a singles win tomorrow isn’t quite such a foregone conclusion.
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Fifth set: *Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 6-7 3-3 Australia (*denotes next server) It’s Britain’s turn to bounce back, with the Murrays beating their opponents in net combat, before a sizzling return from Andy brings up two break points. “I can’t hold!” cries Groth, but Jamie misses a return, then takes control of the final break point – but his cross-court volley drops into the net! Deuce.
Jamie Murray, all out of options, lofts an inch-perfect lob into the corner. Even Hewitt can’t catch that. Break point, Groth ace, deuce. You can’t help but feel that this is the match, right here. Groth finds a stellar half-volley, Jamie nets, advantage Australia. Groth and Hewitt form a wall at the net, there’s no way through, and Australia hold as Andy Murray nets.
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Fifth set: Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 6-7 3-2 Australia* (*denotes next server) So, after three and a half hours on court, Hewitt and Groth are still utterly relentless, and scrap their way to two break points, helped by Andy Murray mishitting a backhand at 15-all. Groth fires a winner right down the line, and Australia have the break back. Will this match ever end? I’m not sure.
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Fifth set: *Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 6-7 3-1 Australia (*denotes next server) Hewitt pulls rank, claiming an overhead as his own and despatching it, before finding a crashing, unreturnable serve to seal the hold, and keep themselves in this deciding set. As if Hewitt is ever really out of it.
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Fifth set: Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 6-7 3-0 Australia* (*denotes next server) Jamie Murray powers through a routine service game, with this set following the pattern of the team that should be in the ascendancy falling to pieces. It’s a hold to love, and Australia are suddenly in a spot of bother. We cut to a woman drinking Irn-Bru, with a blast of the Fratellis, in case anyone had forgotten we’re in Glasgow.
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Fifth set: *Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 6-7 2-0 Australia (*denotes next server) Here we go then, into the fifth set. Andy Murray held his opening service game easily – I can’t tell you much more because the BBC were busy showing an ad for Dragons’ Den, in case you weren’t already aware of what Dragons’ Den is and whether you might, enjoy it. Sam Groth steps up, but can’t repeat the feat, firing in a double fault amid a series of skittish first serves, as Australia slump to 0-40. Three break points, and the Murrays only need one as Australia simply can’t keep the ball in court. Advantage Britain, but nobody should get too excited just yet.
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Australia win the fourth set 7-6 (8-6) to level the match!
Hewitt and Groth seize their chance, forcing the Murray brothers to net, waving their rackets at the same ball as a series of volleys finally fries their collective brains. You want a fifth set? You’ve got a fifth set!
Fourth set tiebreak: Great Britain 6-7 Australia (GB lead by 2 sets to 1) Second serve, and Groth shows unbelievable nerve to move across, trusting his hands at the net – and he fires a volley down at Jamie Murray’s feet! Murray then fires a return wide, and it’s set point Australia...
Fourth set tiebreak: Great Britain 6-5 Australia (GB lead by 2 sets to 1) Hewitt simply will not be beaten, outfighting Jamie Murray at the net, but on the next point, the veteran finds the net, and it’s match point to Great Britain, on Hewitt’s serve, serving to Andy Murray...
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Fourth set tiebreak: Great Britain 5-4 Australia (GB lead by 2 sets to 1) A slow, stuttering second serve from Andy Murray doesn’t play to Groth’s strengths, as the nervy Australian nets tamely. A neat move sees Groth serve and Hewitt volley, and it’s 4-4. Groth’s second service point... and Andy is on hand to punch a volley between his opponents! 5-4, and Jamie Murray will serve the next two points...
Fourth set tiebreak: Great Britain 3-3 Australia (GB lead by 2 sets to 1) Great Britain draw first blood on Australia’s serve, but the visitors fight back, Groth firing a winner to put Australia 2-1 up... on serve, Groth has the point on his racket, but sends his volley long. Four breaks in a row, and Groth shanks another volley, but after a challenge, Hawkeye shows that it has clipped the very edge of the baseline. Andy Murray then finds a big serve, Hewitt’s return drifts an inch wide, and it’s 3-3.
Fourth set: *Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 6-6 Australia (*denotes next server) An enormous ace from Andy Murray, then a volley from Jamie that does just enough to beat Hewitt, but he’s not done yet, and grabs a point back with an angled volley. Hewitt finds the line with his next return, and Andy nets his cross-court forehand. Groth’s return catches Jamie cold at the net, and it’s break point... and after a staggering Hewitt return, a gap opens, and Hewitt finds the winner! We’re going to a tie-break...
Fourth set: *Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 6-5 Australia (*denotes next server) Roles reversed, with Jamie ripping a backhand return and Andy using his court position to throw Hewitt off, to take it to 15-30. The hosts are rampant and quickly bring up two break points – but the first is missed by Andy as he shanks a volley wide of the tramlines! He makes amends with a frankly ridiculous return, leaving an old stager like Hewitt dazed and confused, and Jamie is on hand to put away his lopping effort. The crowd goes wild, and Great Britain will serve for the match.
Fourth set: Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 5-5 Australia* (*denotes next server) Andy Murray is slow to get down to a Groth volley, and sends it netwards, before a blistering Hewitt return puts Australia two points away from taking the set. Groth fires the next return straight at Andy Murray, but there’s too much pace on it. Three set points for Australia... the first is saved as Hewitt nets a return, on second serve... the second as Jamie Murray follows in behind his serve and puts a volley into the corner... and the third when Groth gets in Hewitt’s way, allowing Jamie Murray to punch away a winner! Deuce.
I’ve no idea how the British pair got out of that, hitting half a dozen shots each when one false move meant curtains. Jamie Murray composes himself, fires down a serve that Groth can only thunk into the net, and Andy finishes the job with a flick down at Groth’s feet that he can’t return. Magnificent stuff from the Murrays, but both Australians could come to rue that missed chance.
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Fourth set: *Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 4-5 Australia (*denotes next server) The Murrays turn the screw, with Jamie throwing up a lob, Andy testing Groth’s legs with a drop shot before Jamie tucks away a cross-court volley. Groth powers in a kicking serve that Andy Murray can’t return, but then wafts a drop shot into the net. Jamie trades blows with Hewitt at the net, but comes off second best twice in succession, and it’s game point to Australia. Hewitt pounds a smash into the ground to confirm the hold.
Fourth set: Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 4-4 Australia* (*denotes next server) “She had a new hip four weeks ago... oh wait, it’s not her” says Alan Partridge Andrew Castle of a female crowd member. Andy Murray shows no nerves whatsoever, firing down laser-guided first serves as Great Britain hold to love.
Fourth set: *Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 3-4 Australia (*denotes next server) After the struggles of the first set, the Murrays are moving fluidly, with Andy taking control of a point and firing a disguised winner between their two opponents. Australia scrap to 40-15, but Jamie powers a passing shot down the line, then Andy bisects Groth and Hewitt again. Deuce, and then an absurd point with the British pair sending up a string of moon balls, inspired by Groth and Hewitt’s complete inability to put away a smash. Eventually, they get it done, and keep their noses in front as Jamie nets.
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Fourth set: Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 3-3 Australia* (*denotes next server) Groth is back in the building, taking his time to send a fizzing winner between the British duo. Jamie Murray, on second serve, makes it too easy for Hewitt, who fires a return back at his feet. 0-30, and the first hint of nerves from the crowd, but Andy is on hand to tuck away an overhead smash. They go for a pre-planned manoeuvre, with Jamie serving out wide and Andy going across the net to put away Hewitt’s return – but it just misses Groth, and lands wide. Two break points, saved by two considered first serves.
Deuce... and Jamie challenges a serve down the T that’s called out. It clipped the line, and the elder brother steps up to take the game, serving wide then beating Groth into submission with two volleys at the net. That could be a vital hold.
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Fourth set: *Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 2-3 Australia (*denotes next server) Groth now back on serve, with the set evenly poised. Have too many chokes spoiled the Groth? Sorry. Despite a few wobbles, Groth keeps grinding out the thundering first serves, but Great Britain are bossing the rallies, taking the game to deuce as the Murray brothers take turns with overhead smashes – Jamie eventually finding the winner. The pressure is back on Groth, but he finds two aces at a pivotal moment, and bounds back to his chair. Well played.
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Fourth set: Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 2-2 Australia* (*denotes next server) Picking Andy Murray to play in any tennis match is hardly a gamble, but with the Dan Evans experiment not quite working yesterday, changing up the pre-planned partnership did carry an element of risk for Leon Smith. It’s worked out, with not just the younger Murray’s quality, but also his tenacity, crucial in turning this match around. I still would have liked to have seen John Peers cross the floor to partner Jamie, but this is working pretty well. This was a hold to love, Andy serving peerlessly to level the set.
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Fourth set: *Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 1-2 Australia (*denotes next server) Andy Murray gives Great Britain a two-point start with a well-timed, two-handed backhand, but Australia battle back, Groth finding his range again to find a winning volley. A fortunate net cord does for the hapless Groth to take it to deuce, and the Murrays take advantage as Groth can’t put away a smash, swarming in unison before Andy flicks a volley over Hewitt’s left shoulder. Andy Murray’s returning is now a big factor in this match, as it should be, and he fires another low return at Hewitt’s feet. That’s not coming back; break back accomplished.
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Simon McMahon has put down his airhorn and provocative placards long enough to send this in, and truly jinx the Great British cause: “Quite a turnaround in the third set. Both Murrays and the crowd pumped now. The Aussies will do well to take this to a fifth now I reckon.”
Fourth set: *Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 0-2 Australia (*denotes next server) Jamie Murray struggles to get his left-handed serve going, landed just one of his first four first serves as the first four points are shared. The double fault that seemed inevitable duly arrives, and it’s another early break point for Australia. Hewitt pounces on a slow first serve, and it’s advantage Australia in the fourth.
Fourth set: *Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 0-1 Australia (*denotes next server) Sam Groth was the best player on the court in the first set, but his meltdown handed that third set to Great Britain. If the hosts win this match, and Andy Murray (or Dan Evans) can finish the job tomorrow, the big lad should get a statue outside Wimbledon. To give Groth his dues, he comes out fighting here, powering Australia to 40-0, but those Murrays just won’t quit, scrapping to win the next two points before Hewitt, at the tenth time of asking, puts away the game-winning volley.
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Great Britain win the third set 6-4 and lead by two sets to one!
From 4-1 down, it’s 5-4 to Great Britain, and Andy Murray will serve for the third set, as he did for the second. Groth has lost his nerve to such an extent that this feels like Blockbusters tennis, with Hewitt chasing everything down – and he takes Australia to 15-30 before Jamie Murray keeps his cool to put away an overhead smash. An ace from Andy brings up set point, and Hewitt nets!
Third set: *Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 5-4 Australia (*denotes next server) A big test of Groth’s nerves here, and with Jamie missing an opportunity to do damage with a return, he nets a routine volley for 15-all. Murray senior then goes long with a lob, before a Hewitt volley brings up game point. All that’s left is for Groth to put away a smash to secure the game. He misses... again, and Andy Murray finds another lethal return, down at Groth’s feet, for deuce.
Both brothers are now, understandably, going after Groth, bringing up a break point, but with the ball sitting up for a down-the-line winner, Andy Murray fires it cross-court – and into the net! They all get nervous, you know. It’s Hewitt’s turn to shank a volley wide, though, and it’s another break point. Andy returns Groth’s 130mph serve, the Australian can’t deal with it, and Jamie puts away a simple volley. Great Britain will serve for the second set!
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Third set: Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 4-4 Australia* (*denotes next server) Groth gestures to his bench that he choked in that game. Not going to argue with you there, Grothy. The Murrays have their tails up again, with a speedy second serve from Jamie finished off at the net by Andy for 30-0. Another tricky second serve, this time kicking up into Groth’s grill, and Hewitt nets to hand over the game. Eight straight points for Great Britain...
Third set: *Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 3-4 Australia (*denotes next server) From 0-15, the Murrays are a touch unfortunate, as two reaching returns on Hewitt’s serve drop just wide. Hewitt doesn’t allow a third opportunity, and at 40-15, Groth is offered a simple volley in front of the net – but puts it wide! Bit of a shocker, and the British pair stay in the next point with an almost supernatural feat of defensive tennis. Groth goes for broke with a volley – and misses again! Deuce, and Australian focus is broken by a poor line call, with Groth missing a lob. Break point, and what had looked a routine hold becomes a break as the big Australian can’t deal with a fearsome Andy Murray return. It’s on now!
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Third set: Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 2-4 Australia* (*denotes next server) A crucial service game here, with Hewitt serving next for Australia. Hewitt goes for a return winner into the corner, but Jamie Murray’s reflexes at the net are superb, flicking the ball back beyond the bemused Australian. Groth again excels at the net to make it 15-all, before a belting first serve, then a dazzling Hewitt return. “What a serve” exclaims Jamie as Andy brings up game point with an ace, and another unstoppable serve, this time out wide, saves the game. Good gravy, this is close.
Third set: *Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 1-4 Australia (*denotes next server) We’re deep into this match, with the hosts a break down, and there’s a rare lull in the atmosphere. Plastic hats are slipping over eyes, foam fingers are drooping – but the crowd are woken up by Andy Murray returning a 141mph Groth serve with interest to take the game to deuce.
Groth produces the exact same speed, and Murray senior can’t handle it – but at advantage Australia, the best rally of the game goes Great Britain’s way! Andy Murray takes the initiative, probing for a gap, before Jamie steps in with the winning volley. Groth then gets a racket to a fierce return, and Andy leaves it – but it drops inside the baseline! The chance has gone, and Hewitt finds a winner to bring up the hold.
Third set: Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 1-3 Australia* (*denotes next server) With Australia tearing out of the traps in this third set, the Murrays face an increasing need to get on the board. They do so, with Jamie serving and Andy volleying just out of reach of Hewitt’s whirling arms to bring up game point, and a welcome hold is sealed with a big serve that Groth can’t return.
Third set: *Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 0-3 Australia (*denotes next server) One break of serve has been enough in the first two sets, and Australia consolidate, with Hewitt once again a ball of energy around the baseline, sealing the game with a ripping cross-court winner.
By the way, the winners of this three-day tie will play either Argentina or Belgium, who are also locked at 1-1 in their semi-final. If it’s Great Britain, they would play Argentina at home, but would have to travel to Belgium. Permutations. Nobody’s booking any Eurostar tickets just yet.
Third set: Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 0-2 Australia* (*denotes next server) Andrew Castle has just admonished Sam Groth for tweeting “Beat the Brits” yesterday, as if he should instead wish for defeat, just to be polite. Anyway, Groth shows fine touch at the net again as Australia edge to 15-30, and Hewitt takes advantage of a slow second serve to bring up two break points. Groth senses his opportunity and finds a winner down the line. Andy Murray lets out a scream of frustration, and Britain are on the back foot early on.
Third set: *Great Britain 4-6, 6-3, 0-1 Australia (*denotes next server) So, two sets played, both fiercely competitive, but both decisively won by either team. This one’s on a knife-edge. Anyone fancy calling this? Groth, owner of the fastest serve of all time, stutters his way through this opening service game, but holds to 30 as Hewitt lands a volley that clatters into Jamie Murray’s feet.
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Great Britain win the second set 6-3 to level the match!
Andy Murray opened this set, and dammit, he’s going to close it, again teeing up his big brother for a volley with a corking first serve. Hewitt steps inside the baseline on second serve, but slaps his return into the net, and Jamie again outwits the veteran at the net. Three set points, and they do it at the first time of asking, with Jamie Murray punching away the winning volley!
Second set: *Great Britain 4-6, 5-3 Australia (*denotes next server) So it’s Hewitt, who has had a quiet second set, to serve. He’s won 58 Davis Cup matches, so won’t be too disheartened. Groth drives a backhand through the court for 30-15, before Murray goes long, and another unreturnable serve keeps the visitors in the set.
Second set: Great Britain 4-6, 5-2 Australia* (*denotes next server) Both British players have improved markedly in this set, with Andy Murray finding his range when returning, and Jamie starting to unpick their opponents at the net. They hold here to love, with barely enough time for the crowd to call out amusing things between points, and are one game away from making it one set all.
Second set: *Great Britain 4-6, 4-2 Australia (*denotes next server) As Judy Murray nurses a bottle of lager in the stands, her progeny snare the first point of the game – but Groth hauls the game around with a smash, an ace and a volley. A smart Jamie Murray volley keeps the game alive, and both players show terrific reflexes to keep the next point going, before another volley from Jamie brings up deuce. The British duo bully their way to advantage, and with the crowd in a lather, Andy pounces on the Groth serve, and Jamie puts away the winner at the net! That’s teamwork.
Second set: Great Britain 4-6, 3-2 Australia* (*denotes next server) The Murrays race to 40-0, but a double fault and a timid second serve from Andy bring Australia back into the game. Britain need to get over the line here, but another weak second serve is punished by Hewitt. Groth goes for broke at deuce, but his cross-court return goes long. Hewitt attacks Murray’s first serve, then forces the issue with a searing volley, but the hosts hold firm, sealing the game by prevailing in another rat-a-tat net battle as Hewitt sends a lob wide.
Second set: *Great Britain 4-6, 2-2 Australia (*denotes next server) Australia continue the theme of comfortable holds, with every player now seeing out a straightforward service game. Jamie ends up trying to find a way past a gold wall at the net, with his brother slightly out of position. Given that they’re blood relatives, the Murrays haven’t shown an immaculate understanding so far.
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Second set: Great Britain 4-6, 2-1 Australia* (*denotes next server) A much more routine service game for Jamie Murray, including a bold second serve that clips the line, and a cross-court volley from a loose Hewitt return.
What with this and the rugby, it could be a tough month for Brits Down Under...
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Second set: *Great Britain 4-6, 1-1 Australia (*denotes next server) Groth’s service action is a curious thing, with the Australian frequently stopping halfway through his ball toss, before regrouping himself and firing down a vicious bright yellow bullet. He gets to the net to fire down a smash that Jamie has to avoid for his own safety, before a 130mph+ ace seals the hold.
Second set: Great Britain 4-6, 1-0 Australia* (*denotes next server) It’s Andy Murray who will serve first in this set, as Smith flexes his tactical muscles. A successful challenge brings up an ace for 30-15, and Jamie does brilliantly to punch away a Hewitt return. Another big first serve – they’re proving crucial on this slow court – brings up the hold.
Australia win the first set 6-4!
Hewitt makes a meal of an overhead smash and Jamie Murray fights back, forcing Hewitt to fire wide. There’s then an almighty to-do, as Groth’s first serve is called out and Masur tells his team to challenge. Hawkeye shows it was in, but Andy Murray and Smith crowd the umpire, saying that to allow Masur’s involvement was unfair. “That’s a poor decision and you know it” harrumphs Murray.
The delay throws Groth off his rhythm, and he double-faults, and Andy Murray is all over his next serve to bring up two break points! Groth gets out of trouble with a couple of mighty first serves, but Groth sends a hopeful lob long. Break point, Groth serving to Andy Murray, but he nets the return. Jamie follows suit, and it’s set point Australia – and another enormous first serve seals the deal.
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First set: Great Britain 4-5 Australia* (*denotes next server) Murray senior fires down a 125mph serve on the way to 30-0, before Groth finds the line with an artful backhand. Jamie gets forward to put away a no-look volley, then seals the game with a swerving ace. Better from the Murrays, but Sam Groth will serve for the first set.
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First set: *Great Britain 3-5 Australia (*denotes next server) Groth fires away an acrobatic volley, but Murray junior responds with a quickfire cross-court return. Groth is such an imposing target at the net, his presence scrambling Jamie Murray’s brains as he racks up the errors trying to find a way past. A straightforward hold for Australia.
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The crowd appear to have appropriated the ‘Yaya/Kolo Toure’ chant for the Murray brothers. I suppose it was inevitable.
First set: Great Britain 3-4 Australia* (*denotes next server) Australia have gained the upper hand, and they win another net battle to go 15-30. A couple of Andy Murray staples, well-timed big first serves, turn things round before Groth puts away a volley for deuce. Jamie prevails in a battle at the net with Hewitt, but Andy misses a forehand with open court to aim at. The understanding is starting to happen between the British duo, though – two serves from Andy, and two volleys from Jamie, see out the game.
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First set: *Great Britain 2-4 Australia (*denotes next server) Groth and Hewitt went for the old chest bump after sealing the break, with Hewitt comically bouncing off the man-mountain Groth. He recovers his composure to force Andy wide with a clinical volley, before Groth puts away a volley of his own. 40-love, and despite a brief fightback, Jamie nets a return to hand Australia the game.
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First set: Great Britain 2-3 Australia* (*denotes next server) Jamie Murray back on serve, but a volley sits up for Groth, who bisects the British duo with a winner. A big first serve brings up 30-all, then Groth goes long with a return, but Hewitt’s next effort finds the baseline. The Australians are going after Jamie Murray’s serve to some effect, and the brothers get mixed up again, leaving one side of the court gaping. Break point, and after a breathtaking exchange of volleys, Hewitt forces an error from Jamie Murray with another expert lob.
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First set: *Great Britain 2-2 Australia (*denotes next server) “It’s great to see Andy Murray go up against Lleyton Hewitt” says Castle, who doesn’t seem particularly fond of doubles. The Murrays steal the first point, Andy hitting a winner after Groth and Hewitt get in a muddle at the net. Jamie then digs out a return and Hewitt volleys wide. An 85mph Hewitt serve is despatched contemptuously by Andy Murray, but a pinpoint Hewitt lob saves the first break point. Murray tries to repeat the trick, but Groth smashes it away. Deuce, then advantage Australia, and a Groth volley seals the turnaround.
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First set: Great Britain 2-1 Australia* (*denotes next server) Andy Murray’s turn to serve, but after two big first serves take Great Britain to 30-0, he hits a soft second serve that Groth punches into the corner. Another unreturnable serve brings up game point, and Jamie seals it with a cross-court volley.
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First set: *Great Britain 1-0 Australia (*denotes next server) Here comes the sizeable serve of Sam Groth, who sends Australia racing to 40-0, with Hewitt winning an early battle of volleys with Andy Murray. Groth then leaves an Andy Murray return that lands just beyond the baseline.
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First set: Great Britain (Murray/Murray) 1-0 Australia (Groth/Hewitt)* (*denotes next server) Jamie Murray to serve first, opening with two unreturnable serves, before Groth gets the jump on him to fire back a winning return. A double fault, then a mix-up between the brothers lines up break point, but Hewitt nets a return. The first rally of note ends with Groth spearing a forehand wide, and Hewitt goes long to seal a nervous hold.
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The players are warming up. There are 8,500 fans in here, bedecked in Union Jacks and cheering every British player to the rafters. “This is all about Andy Murray” bellows Andrew Castle, missing the point somewhat.
A few words from Lleyton Hewitt, who is making his Tour swansong this year and is a sure bet to captain the Australia team sooner or later. He loves the “backs to the wall” situations the Davis Cup throws up, and highlights wins over Federer and Ferrero on the way to the 2003 title, as his prized memories of the tournament. I’ve also learnt that Sam Groth’s nickname, unsurprisingly, is ‘Grothy’.
The teams are out. Leon Smith leads out his Team GB charges to the sound of ‘Welcome to the Jungle’. Wimbledon, this isn’t. Given that’s it doubles day, surely this will get an airing at some stage:
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Here’s Simon McMahon, who is courtside, face gaudily painted, balloon clapper in hand:
“Afternoon Niall. The Emirates Arena here in Glasgow is almost literally bouncing in anticipation of this pivotal doubles rubber. A win for GB would almost certainly see them through, with Andy sealing the deal in the singles tomorrow. What an atmosphere! Let’s go Andy and Jamie!!!”
To expand on Simon’s salient point, the tie can’t be decided today, but whoever wins this rubber will be clear favourites: the singles matches slated for tomorrow are Andy Murray v Bernard Tomic and Dan Evans v Thanasi Kokkinakis. That is subject to change, but the odds are that those singles points would be split, as they were yesterday.
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It’s been an open secret ever since Andy Murray breezed past Thanasi Kokkinakis, freeing his weary bones up for an extra match, but it’s now confirmed that the Murray brothers will play the doubles rubber today.
Younger brother Andy replaces poor old Dominic Inglot, who was originally picked to play alongside Jamie – team changes are allowed up to an hour before play begins, and thankfully it seems there were no transfer deadline day-style computer malfunctions.
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Preamble
Hello. With this semi final poised at 1-1 after a first day that panned out largely as anticipated, Great Britain are two wins away from their first Davis Cup final since 1978. Picking a low point from the intervening years is a bit like trying to select the dreariest tree in a particularly uninspiring forest, but Great Britain have twice needed playoff wins – against the tennis behemoths of Monaco and Turkey – to avoid relegation to international tennis’s fourth tier.
Captain Leon Smith is bringing out the big guns – well, the big gun – for the occasion, with world No3 Andy Murray drafted in to play alongside brother Jamie, in addition to his two singles assignments. Jamie is, of course, no slouch in the doubles arena – he’s currently ranked eighth in the world, and was a losing US Open finalist last weekend.
Standing in the way of a crucial second win today is Australia’s go-to guy for Davis Cup fightbacks. Lleyton Hewitt has saved this once-dominant side on numerous occasions – not least when he and today’s partner, Sam Groth, dug Australia out of a Nick Kyrgios-shaped hole against Kazakhstan in July’s quarter-final, winning their doubles rubber then a singles match each to overturn a 2-0 deficit.
Great Britain aren’t the only ones bidding to escape a slump for the ages; Australia have won this tournament 28 times, but have gone potless since 2003 and are making their first semi-final appearance since 2006. Somebody has to lose; it may take several hours of battle for them to accept it.
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