Andy Murray insists that home advantage made the difference after beating John Isner in straight sets to send Great Britain into the Davis Cup quarter-finals in Glasgow.
In front of a raucous Emirates Arena crowd, Murray saved three set points in the first set before going on to beat Isner 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) as Britain downed the USA 3-2.
After recording a first World Group victory on home soil since 1986, Britain will next play France at home in July with the venue to be decided in due course.
Coming into Sunday’s action, the home side held a 2-1 lead, Murray and James Ward winning both of Friday’s singles, before Jamie Murray and Dom Inglot lost a five-set thriller to Bob and Mike Bryan in the doubles on Saturday.
But after holding off Isner’s first-set charge, the 2013 Wimbledon champion grew more comfortable as the game progressed, eventually winning the tie with an ace as his country beat the USA for the second year running.
That win meant Ward retiring injured at one set up in the dead rubber against Donald Young mattered not and while he may have played the winning point, Murray was adamant he couldn’t have done it alone.
“It feels great - this is a team effort and I think everyone in the team played their part,” he said. “The doubles was amazing yesterday and James had an incredible win on Friday.
“It’s a pleasure to be a part of this team - all of the staff were incredible this week and it’s not just this week but so many the ties over the last six or seven years.
“To be in the quarter-finals for the second year running is incredible and a credit to them.
“I think togetherness was key - everyone was pulling in the same direction together. Liam Broady did a really good speech before the tie to get everyone fired up.
“I’ve always loved playing the Davis Cup - the whole week is so fun and these guys just make it special.
“I want to say a big thank you to the crowd because it was one of the most special atmospheres I have ever played in. It made a big difference.”
© Sportsbeat 2015