MURRAY’S ON THE BRINK OF HISTORY

Mixed doubles win would make Jamie Britain’s biggest Slam winner ever

JAMIE MURRAY will become the biggest British Grand Slam winner in the Open era by claiming the Australian Open mixed doubles title today.

The Scot (above) shares the record of seven with 1977 Wimbledon singles champion Virginia Wade.

And victory today with Bethanie Mattek-Sands against No.5 seeds Barbora Krejcikova and Nikola Mektic will take him to eight Major titles – six in mixed doubles and two in men’s doubles.

“I didn’t know that,” he said. “It’s not something I’d ever thought about but I guess that’s a cool record to have. But I’ve not done it yet.”

The Scot and the American beat Aussie wildcards Astra Sharma and John-Patrick Smith 6-3 7-6 in yesterday’s semi-final. They have won the last two US Open mixed doubles titles and will play all four Grand Slams this season.

“We play great together,” said Murray. “We are a good team. It’s fun to go out and play with Beth, she has great energy on the court, and is a great player as well.

“I remember before we started playing together, she texted me. I was like: ‘I have got to play with Beth. I have lost to her so many times. She is so cool at mixed doubles. I cannot pass this up. I have got to do it.’ It has been great. Every time I enter a tournament with Beth I feel we have a great chance to go on and win the tournament.”

Murray is not the only potential British winner with Joe Salisbury in his first Grand Slam final in the men’s doubles.

With his American partner Rajeev Ram, the No.11 seeds will take on Aussies Max Purcell and Luke Saville early tomorrow.

“He has done incredibly well over the last two years,” said Murray. “He is in the top 10 now and if they win, he will be even higher. Potentially, if he has a good next three to four months, he could be No.1 in the world.”

Being in the world’s top 10 will guarantee a place at the Olympics. Jamie Murray wants to play with his regular partner Neal Skupski so Salisbury could play with Andy Murray if the double singles gold medallist is fit.

“I would put my hand up for that,” said the Londoner.