Murray brothers put Brits in front
YOSHIHITO NISHIOKA and Yakutaka Uchiyama proved no match for the Murray brothers as Great Britain moved into a 2- 1 lead in their Davis Cup clash with Japan in Birmingham.
The brothers had some fierce battles before delivering the three wins that helped Britain claim the title last year but this was a different story.
It looked a mismatch on paper and, although they performed admirably, the Japanese did not create a single break point as Britain triumphed 6- 3 6- 2 6- 4 at a packed Barclaycard Arena.
The hosts made the expected change to their team as Andy Murray replaced Dom Inglot but Kei Nishikori sat out the rubber for Japan.
British captain Leon Smith confirmed on Friday the plan was for Andy to play provided there were no ill effects from his first competitive match for more than a month.
The new father had swiftly dispatched Taro Daniel to get Britain’s defence of their Davis Cup title off to a winning start before Japan’s No 1 Nishikori battled past Dan Evans.
Nishikori had hinted on Friday that he, too, would play but, having needed close to three hours to see off Evans, the decision was made to rest him as Japan stuck with their nominated team.
Even with Nishikori, Japan would have been underdogs for the rubber, and captain Minoru Ueda appeared to have decided their best chance of winning the tie was for a rested Nishikori to face Andy today.
That is now a must-win rubber for the visitors, who would also need to triumph in a potential deciding fifth match between Evans and Daniel.
Neither Nishioka or Uchiyama is in the top 100 in singles or doubles – although 20- year- old Nishioka is a rising talent. However, they found the Murray brothers too strong.
Jamie said: “We played a great match. It wasn’t easy, those guys came out with a lot of good shots. I loved being out here. It was a great experience again.”
Andy added: “We know each other’s games extremely well so that helps. My strengths and Jamie’s strengths make a good team.
“Both of us served very well and Jamie’s obviously one of the best net players in the world. That helps a lot in doubles and when I can get a few returns together we are a good team. It was a good win.”
Nishikori is the highest-ranked player Andy has ever played in Davis Cup but he has won five of their previous six matches.
Andy said: “I played well against him last year. I played him a couple of times. He’s ranked six in the world, so he’s one of the best.
“It’s obviously going to be extremely tough but I’m playing well and, hopefully, I can play a good one and try to seal the win.
“But, if not, Dan is capable of winning his match as well.”