And so it was thus, that as the rain clouds gathered once more (imagine four seasons in one day, with attitude), Andy Murray sealed the deal for the British team as they won the right to face the French in the quarter-finals a mere week after the last strawberries and Pimms have been chased down in Wimbledon.
Although John Isner had his chances to break Murray and take the first set, which would have put a very different complexion on the match, that is for sure. But of the seven break point opportunities that presented themselves to the American, the all spun by his lanky frame, and perhaps an understandably nervous Murray settled into his game.
It was a long haul to the tie-break – well let’s face it, when Isner bangs down six aces in a match he would usually expect to be at least two games further up in the match by that point.
While we saw the euphoria of the players bouncing around with unrequited joy, never underestimate the effect a loss has on a player. On Saturday the US team sat impassive while the British team bounced around and while that expends all sorts of energy, the team spirit was evident. But Isner felt the losses keenly. Certainly he should feel no shame to losing to Murray who will return back up the rankings to Number 4 in the world, which will come in handy for Indian Wells, but his loss to James Ward will hurt for a while.
Interestingly when Murray was asked if Ward would now kick on, for all the support he has offered his team-mate he emphasized that it now comes down to hard work. In fairness, Ward has gone out to Murray’s training camp and has seen some reward for that work. But it all comes down to whether he can build on that confidence.
Things that will fascinate us as we advance towards a week of much welcome sunshine after the rain and gales of Glasgow (although their soups have been amazing – we do like a good soup), is how Donald Young, Ward and Isner perform in California.
As for Murray – well we’re pretty sure he can take care of himself, although it would be rather good if he could get back to winning ways on the tour ahead of the French Open.
And so… on to Indian Wells and back to the hubbub of the tour.
Topics: Andy Murray, Davis Cup 2015, global chick, Great Britain, John Isner, Tennis News, USA
#TENNIS REPORTS FROM BRITISH @DavisCup WIN BY GLOBAL CHICK. OUT WITH THE RAIN, IN WITH THE SUN- http://t.co/JbmkjiiG0W #DavisCup2015
RT @TennisNewsOne: TENNIS REPORTS FROM BRITISH DAVIS CUP WIN BY GLOBAL CHICK. OUT WITH THE RAIN, IN WITH THE SUN http://t.co/FShVgqsOu1 #te…