Murray to lead line for Britain at Davis Cup final

Andy Murray will lead the line for Great Britain once more at the Davis Cup after the six-strong team was named for next week’s final in Ghent.

Muray will be joined by brother Jamie, Kyle Edmund, James Ward and Dom Inglot as Great Britain look for their first title since 1936.

It is the first time the country has made the final since 1978 where a John McEnroe-inspired USA ran out 4-1 winners.

This time the Brits will take on Belgium on clay with Murray set to be a crucial cog in Leon Smith’s plans.

And, despite ATP World Tour Finals commitments this week, the younger Murray brother is delighted at the prospect of making history.

“To represent your country at the Davis Cup Final is a huge honour and will be a new experience for me and all of the team,” he said.

"I’m really excited about the tie in Belgium, they have some very talented players who will make this a tough contest. We have had amazing support from our fans in the previous ties and I know the ones travelling for the final will play their part.”

For Smith it is the climax of a journey that has seen Britain beat USA, France and Australia and the captain is looking forward to doing battle with the Belgians.

“Our GB Davis Cup team is proud to be competing in the Final in Ghent this year,” he said. “It is a historic ‎moment in British Tennis and I'm delighted to name these five players for the tie against Belgium.

"Andy has led from the front throughout this campaign, showing time and again what it means to him to pull on the GB jersey. He shows determination, commitment and passion that inspires the other British players on the bench and our fantastic fans in the stands.”

In London meanwhile Jamie Murray lost out in his second World Tour Finals match as he and partner John Peers were beaten in straight sets by Rohan Bopanna and Florin Mergea 6-3 7-6 (7-5).

Sportsbeat 2015