Murray brothers primed for action
ANDY MURRAY looks likely to join brother Jamie in today’s crucial doubles clash with Australia — after declaring himself ready to shoulder the maximum burden as Britain seek their first final in 37 years. And the World No 3 is counting on the ‘Team GB’ factor to inspire him once again, with the double Grand Slam-winning Scot insisting that some of his best and biggest wins have come while flying the flag. Murray was utterly dominant in his straight-sets demolition of Thanasi Kokkinakis but, with Aussie top seed Bernard Tomic battling past world No 300 Dan Evans to level the tie at 1-1, everything is likely to hinge on today’s doubles match. Murray, who was on court for just one hour and 47 minutes, is definitely feeling fresh enough to replace
doubles specialist Dom Inglot in the clash with Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Groth. Asked if he would put himself forward to team captain Leon Smith, who can change his pairing at any time up to an hour before today’s 1pm start, the British No 1 said: ‘Yeah, I think everyone in the team wants to play. I mean, everyone wants to try to help where they can. ‘Ultimately, the decision is up to the captain and the players go on the court with a job to do when they get out there. But we don’t make the decisions.’ ‘Obviously now I have the option to be picked because that match was quick. We’ll talk about it this evening.’ Smith said he would make an early decision on the doubles, after discussing it with his team superstar. ‘Andy is obviously a very good player. But it’s not all about him. Yes, he’s the best player across the two teams. That’s a given. ‘But Jamie is playing the best tennis of his career, he was outstanding in the quarter-final against France, and Dom is playing great — he’s had Davis Cup experience here, as well. ‘Whoever goes out, we should be confident we can do it. But clearly, if Andy plays, when the Australians receive the team sheet there will be a bit of: “Ah, Andy’s playing”.’ Murray said he gets a huge boost from turning out for Britain. ‘Not just the Davis Cup but also the Olympics have been some of the best matches I’ve played, in terms of my levels. ‘I don’t know exactly what that is. But I just think my results speak for themselves. I don’t know why I play better when I play for my country. But I have.’