Semi-Final - Great Britain v Argentina: Day 3 Davis Cup

Great Britain have done it in the most spectacular style. Andy Murray.

Unbeaten. In 2015, Great Britain, spearheaded by Andy Murray, won the

Davis Cup for the first time in 79 years. On Friday, the defence of

that title was given a severe examination by Argentina, in

Glasgow. Revenge for Rio, misery for Murray.

The defending champions grip on the Davis Cup is a flimsy one, after day

one of the semifinal, Great Britain 0- to Argentina. Yesterday with the

tie on the line, two local heroes came to the rescue. There it is, the

flame flickers. Britain's Davis Cup dream is still alive. Throughout its

history, sport is sprinkled with unlikely comebacks. Ask Sir Ian

Botham, Sir Alex Ferguson, Rafa Benitez and Europe's golfers. If

Europe's grip on the trophy is to remain firm, they need another one

here. The unthinkable could not happen again, credit?

Certainly what the 8000 British fans are hoping for today. Welcome to the

Emirates Arena for what promises to be another drama filled afternoon of

tennis. Britain need to win both single matches to go through to the

final. We have the two reverse singles matches. Andy Murray first

encore. What he has left in the tank, we don't know, he is up

against Guido Pella. Kyle Edmund still in the order. Maybe Leon Smith

will bring in Dan Evans. We'll Juan Martin Del Potro play the second

singles match? That is what we will talk about. John and Jamie are with

me. Big surprise, maybe Del Potro Winslade? It will be a staggering

decision, if he does not play. I find it hard to believe that Del

Potro won't play. Why on earth did he put himself in the doubles? If he

was not fit enough to play three matches. I don't understand the

decision. What is your take on it? We were amazed with how well he

coped with the Murray match. If there was any doubt in the

Argentinian team, 2-0 up, worst case scenario we have Del Potro, in the

singles. To think there in a position where that might not be the

case, unthinkable. If we talk about it, when Juan Martin Del Potro went

into the press conference, he had this to say, when asked if he would

play tomorrow... He's saying maybe his body is not

strong enough to play a best-of-5 sets singles match. Why did he not

make that one more match in the singles, not the doubles? Giving

himself 24 hours to recover and go from it. The most illogical

decision, if it happens. I have been talking to the Argentinian

journalists, he said he could not play the signals, and the coach

said, would you try in the doubles? We have a better chance of playing

with him in the team. That is a good point. Against the Murray brothers,

whatever team they put out, they would not be favourites. Maybe that

is the case. We have to take into consideration what Del Potro said,

somebody who had so much time out, getting back to a high level. He

does not want to risk that, he could have another five years at the top

of the game if he takes care of himself. Apologies if we are

shouting. We are competing with the magnificent pipers, getting the

crowd revved up for this afternoon. We got there early to see who was

practising after that strange comment in the press conference.

Juan Martin Del Potro came out on Juan Martin Del Potro came out on

court. Looking very lacklustre. Only stayed on court for ten minutes.

Does not look promising that he will play. His reaction here, does not

look happy. Having said that, one of the most laid-back guys I have ever

seen. The reaction was not good after he finished a practice

session. Very casually strolling to the umpire's chair. Does not look

good to me. Staggered by the decision, if it comes about.

Interesting after the singles match against Andy. They asked him, are

you tired. He says he could not even feel his legs, so tired. Out of the

game for 2.5 years, in some ways not surprising. That saw nurse, after a

match like that with such huge physical exertions, to day he will

be feeling the worst, two days afterwards. With the singles match

ahead. Only been on the core ten minutes at that pace, while the

first singles matches on, not really anywhere else to physically warm up.

Not another practice court. He will not start running around the arena,

to get loose. Probably from that, only being on court ten minutes, not

looking good. The most magnificent smoke screen in Davis Cup history,

or he will not play. If he does not, the captain has two options. Their

highest ranked player. All Leonardo Mayer, who played well in the

doubles yesterday. He has a very did Davis Cup record, a very respected

Davis Argentinian journalist said he was told he would play. He started

nervously, missing a lot of volleys, but he played a match. Davis Cup

record is very good. Ranked 114, he was as high as 21 in June last year.

Right at the top of the rankings. We think it will be Dan Evans. Few

matches up best against Ben Evans? On this court, they would rather

have Leonardo Mayer. He is better suited to make quicker court. From

the British team, my thought on Ben Evans was playing was based on the

fact that Del Potro was the court. Would Kyle Edmund be a better

option? They don't have to say until ten minutes before the match. We

won't know until later this afternoon. We are all assuming Dan

Evans is going to play. That was because of Del Potro. We are

cramming into the mix that Kyle Edmund is out, he may well. If you

have it going down to the fifth match, he would you have as your

pick? Definitely Dan Evans on this court. Keane in this situation

before, winning a couple of deciding matches. The type of character, he

won't worry about anything. Getting the opponent is a lot of problems.

He was the most vocal guy on the GB bench yesterday. He knows he's in

with a chance with playing in the fifth match, he wants to be the man

in the spotlight. Both he and Kyle are in tremendous form. Dan Evans'

match against Stan Wawrinka, he had match point, playing some of the

best tennis I have ever seen. He was brilliant at the US Open. He has won

fifth matches in the Davis Cup in his career, winning five set

matches. A won't bother him. If it comes down to the fifth match, he

will play. Who would be a Davis Cup captain? Not easy. Gives everyone a

lift. Everybody thought Del Potro would sail through. Now very much in

the balance. Nobody knows. Sometimes these Davis Cup matches can be

predictable. This match, with Murray playing Del Potro, it has opened the

whole thing up. We have been guessing about every single match,

who will play. We don't know who will step on the court until after

Andy Murray's match. We're presuming he wins. Talking about the fifth

match, because we are used to Andy Murray sailing through these

matches. He is up against Guido Pella. It will be tough. We think he

is like the Man of Steel, cannot lose. He has been through an

exhausting year. Pella will hit a lot of balls back. Played well in

his first match. He will think he has nothing to lose against Andy.

And he has to work three players. It will be physical, a demanding match.

I think Andy will win, not surprisingly there is out there for

a long time. He has such a big heart, he will put himself. He must

be running on empty, or lower than empty. He looked so sharp and

practice. He has been empty from the start, not a lot of time to

recharge. He can see light at the end of the tunnel. If he can push

one more big match. He gets a rest after this one. The defence of the

title on the line, in Glasgow, Scotland. Andy Murray will not lose

this match if fit. Looking back to yesterday. Murray had to pick

himself up after that five set loss to Del Potro. He had his moments in

the doubles, Jamie Murray playing so well. We will say some of the --

show some of the class around the net. They want better around the

net, the reflexive is, the angles. This was a big match from Jamie

Murphy, he sensed he had to be the leader. Andy has gone through so

much physically. He came through, the best player on the court. What a

year he has had. A delight to watch his hands, at the net, they were

quite phenomenal. Playing so well. He picked Andy up. Playing better at

the end of the match. You think about how the match went, the

British team for- three down with a break in the third set. Jamie Murray

comedy had not started as well as he did, could have been a different

story. They could have been two sets down. Great to see Jamie McCourt. In

the last ten months he has improved again. The way he manages his game,

his play at the net is unbelievable. Does not have a top-spin forehand,

but he manages it well. Like an old-fashioned block. Hard to do

anything against it. At 1-1, a break down, looked as if the match was

giving in Argentina's favour. One point turning it around. If you

watch it, and watch Murray's reaction, got himself so fired up.

After that, getting better and better. Definitely needed a point

like that. Lifted the whole crowd. He was looking the whole time for

the first hour, what is going to get me going? That was it. The Speaker

of the house enjoying it. Match point in the great reaction from the

brothers. They had to win that one to keep it alive. The Argentinian

team were very dangerous. Very dangerous, the court was medium

speed. They were returning so well. Del Potro staying back, Leonardo

Mayer crossing a lot. Awkward sort of match. I never thought they would

lose, came close in the third set. Once again, Jamie Murray, the man of

the match. Exceptional doubles team, combining so well together. They are

brothers, they have that sixth sense. Difficult to beat, unbeaten

in the Davis Cup. I have said before, the best single players will

be very good only doubles court. That combination you were talking

about, they seem to have, amazing. Hardly played doubles matches

together. Not like they're coming into any match. These are

high-pressure matches every time. They managed to get through, never

last. So important to come through. What a year Jamie Murray has heard.

Winning the Davis Cup, so many crucial doubles matches. Coming

three to win the Australian and US Open. I think the Davis Cup has

helped Jamie Murray. Winning Grand Slams, but playing Davis Cup matches

before the slams, I think gave him the confidence to go out there, in

matches so important like this. Getting him going, he has gone up

another level. Lovely Mahmood, these brothers realising how important the

fans are. They got behind them when it mattered. I asked Leon and Jamie

before the tie, whether they had a chance to soak up the atmosphere and

support they get during the matches? Sometimes so focused, they don't

appreciate it. We saw how emotional Jamie was at the end, he was taking

it in. He knows these moments don't happen everyday. To put that to one

side, use it to an advantage, win matches, the skill of the great

athlete. We talked about Andy Murray, physically, mentally that

win will have given him a boost. Definitely, as Jamie said, coming to

the end of the year. A few months to go. He can take a rest. This is a

huge match. Get through this one, do his part, he can take some

relaxation. I think he will get through this one. The players making

their way to the court. Andy Murray taking on Guido Pella. There is Leon

Smith. Being captain, having Andy in the team, you have been in that

seat, wonderful to have that sort of player. Absolutely, almost a banker

win every time he steps on court. A shock to the system when he lost to

Del Potro. Look at the way he bounced back in the doubles, the

sort of player he is. I have no doubt he will win this match. First

up for Argentina, Guido Pella on court.

Representing Argentina, please welcome Guido Pella.

Now accompanied by his captain, Leon Smith, representing Great Britain,

it is Andy Murray. Nicola Sturgeon leading the

applause. We have been in Glasgow often, the crowd playing their part.

Even when the British team played in Belgium, the fans lifted the

players, felt like home tie. The staff behind the scenes have done a

great job, rousing support. The away matches the British team have played

felt like home once. Even the Serbia quarterfinal, the stadium was not

that full, but a lot of British people there.

The way this is shaping up, fantastic day for the Davis Cup and

Britain. We have to accept Andy Murray is exhausted, this is a

difficult opponent. The problem for Guido Pella, this is a difficult

player. He does not have a big serve, Andy has a big service game,

grand strokes very good. I cannot see where he can hurt Annie, the

only way is if Andy is physically tired. For a match of this

importance, cannot see Andy letting himself be beaten. He will feed off

the crowd. You commentators on Pella against Edmonds. Solid player. He is

the type of guy, you look at him, thinking what does he have, what is

the bringing to the table to win a lot of points? Actually, does not

work like a lot, does not have a standout shot, but he will won the

match because he was so solid. Pella played his best tennis as the match

went on, the sign of a good player. You cannot get to 40 something in

the world without being good. He will be a test for Andy Murray, he

will have to be on his game. He is left-handed, that is playing into

his strength. A left-hander playing against Andy Murray, never

advantage. You don't want to see the back and return coming at you. I

don't see so many aces coming from the Argentinian. As far as Andy is

concerned, how he played yesterday, that has boosted him in some way.

The way he closed out the match, forgotten what happened the day

before. The end of the match was important. He was very clear, high

fives to my brother, he played well the whole way through. He struggled

through the first half-hour, but something. He knows this is his last

big physical tests for quite a while. He knows he can lead

everything here today. Let people carry him off the court if they have

too. There is the Stirling University barmy Army. Jamie, you

will be courtside with them. They have been loud in your ear. A few

people have said to me, I don't know how you sit there and do it so

often. I know other people say, I need to go, I am out of here. They

are quiet, but they have one song after another. They will try to lift

their man, Andy Murray. He has done it so often in the Davis Cup, also a

vector Beasant last 12 months. -- a magnificent last 12 months. Great

Britain have done it in the most spectacular style. The Sports

Personality of the Year for 2015 is the Incan parable Andy Murray. To my

wife, Kim, I'm on the next flight home. He is there, Wimbledon

champion again. Andy Murray is a double Olympic gold medallist.

Where do you start? He has become a dad, carrying the flag at the

opening ceremony, winning the Davis Cup, two grand slam titles, amazing.

You'd think what else can he do? Absolutely spectacular. How much

emotion, how much does he have left in the tank? All these physical

highs and lows, tremendous year. One he will remember forever. If he can

sneak this one, Great Britain win this tie is somehow who knows where

it will go? It will keep on going. We noticed against Del Potro, Leon

Smith was trying to get him to come forward, attacking the Del Potro

backhand. Not his natural game, did not feel comfortable, he will be

happier today. The reason with Del Potro, he was getting hurt in the

big rallies. To date, not a big threat from the grand strokes are

Pella. It is more Andy Murray being patient, taking the right shots,

playing his normal game, he will be OK. You can hear the cheering

behind. He has changed British tennis completely? Here's a one in a

lifetime. Lucky to have him. Every match he plays is special. This

crowd knows it. How long he will be around? Hopefully many years. What

he is than the British tennis, staggering. The legacy of the whole

Murray family, building. Let's not forget Jamie, all he has achieved?

Number one in the world, Andy has not achieved that. The only thing he

has not. I'm sure he will. Tremendous family. Scottish tennis,

British tennis, if we do not take advantage of these two brothers now,

we will never take advantage of anything. The good news for all of

us, and he said he wants to carry on playing for at least another four

years. We have this to look forward to. Say special, everyone singing. A

big celebration of tennis in this country. You don't get anything like

this on the tour. Grand Slams, great. Davis Cup, home tie, no

feeling like it. The players know that. When they step out on court,

they don't get this the rest of the year. Something special, magical.

You don't get this anywhere else. The LTA choosing these wonderful

Scottish records, performance, getting the crowd up. Wonderful for

everyone, inspiring the next generation. You talk about the

crowd, I look back to the old days, he would always think about going

away to Argentina, Spain, how ferocious the crowd was. We did not

talk about British crowds that way. Believe me, other teams when they

come here they know they have this to compete with. Like having a fifth

player in your team. The British team taking it to another level with

their support. Such a knowledgeable crowd. They know that Andy is so

tired, busy season. They will try to lift the first set, get on top of

Pella very quickly. We talk about Howedes or is that the players are,

of course they are. The crowd do not stop from the beginning, sometimes

nine hours. Not one Lal. At every single point. -- quiet moment. Thank

you so much. We will sit back, not forward to this entertaining

afternoon of tennis. If you want to get in touch, you can get involved.

Our website, or via our Facebook page. What do you think of Andy

Murray, the Murray brothers, the atmosphere, the Davis Cup? Any

supporters from Argentina, we want to hear your comments. Jamie Baker

has made his way to the commentary box to during John Inverdale. -- to

join. COMMENTATOR: You could say before

any sporting event, before a ball has been kicked, we could be in for

one evening. As is so often, in the course of the past decade, this man

is centre stage. Winning Sports Personality of the Year last year,

without equal in the context of British sport. When you look at this

match, it is going to be over to Kyle Edmund, or Dan Evans, if he

wins this one. To try and accomplish one of the great escape acts in

British sport. Here we go. Hello, Jamie. On the Richter scale,

the geographical thing. On the Murray scale, where do you put that?

That was up there, 15 minutes of continuous euphoria.

Everybody in the Emirates Arena thought that was long. Andy Murray

thought it was long. Kept playing, the rally kept going. Couple of long

exchanges already in this game. The start of this match could be

interesting. Attempting to blow Pella off the court. He has the

physical ability to grind pretty much anyone down.

He served 35 aces against Del Potro. But it wasn't enough to win.

Hopefully he won't need quite that many today. Let's talk about his

opponent. There's almost nothing new to be said about Andy. You watch

Pella on Friday against Kyle Edmund. He was obviously nervous at the

start. The longer it went on, the more assured, the more composed, the

more difficult the opponent he clearly was. That was the impressive

thing. He looked like he had a big match temperament. You can talk

about the forehand and backhand and the serve until you go blue in the

face, but in this situation that's the most important thing to look at.

We spoke on Friday about Andy coming into the net, and you spoke about it

before the match today. This was the perfect tactic, getting the ball

behind Pella. He's got such a good understanding of when to hit a hard

volley and when to take the pace off, like that.

He's not here just to make up the numbers and to get us to 2-2 and a

decider. How does the Del Potro, will he

won't he play in the final match, which we are speculating about

because we don't know, affect Pella in this match? If he knew Del Potro

was definitely playing afterwards, could he be more gung ho in this

game? He may well know who Argentina are putting in the final match. How

does that impact on how he might approach this game? Your final point

is key. He will know who's playing the final match.

But I also think just because the gap between the two players, he's

got to play the best match of his life regardless of what's happening.

That mindset might differ if it was somebody more evenly matched in

terms of ranking. On the basis of the first eight

minutes, the fact league that was very obvious in the first set from

Andy's point of view seems to have evaporated. I think we'll see a very

professional performance from Andy Murray today. What do we read into

that? That is interesting. That was Dan Evans leaving Vierinha. -- the

arena. And... So is Leonardo Meyer. Yes! I'm looking to see if Delport

row is still down at courtside. -- Delport Road. I can't see. The

inference, or maybe it's a red herring, who knows. Anyway, how

interesting could this tide be if it ended up being Mayer against Evans.

When the great British surge in the Davis Cup happened against Russia,

coming from 2-0 down to win 3-2, who won the fifth and final match? Dan

Evans. He ended up losing that point, Andy

Murray, but the Pella serve was one area Kyle Edmund had a massive issue

reading on Friday. Couldn't tell when he was going to go wide or down

the middle. We can see straightaway Andy Murray is getting into every

single point. I suppose the difference is, when he

plays a deep ball like that, unlike when he was playing Del Potro, he

knows there won't be a blistering shot down the line coming back at

him. Correct. That was a clay-court rally. Pella

was brought up on the clay courts of Argentina. You can see Andy Murray

has started this match perhaps as we would have expected, where he's

just... He grimaces there, some soreness from the Del Potro match.

That is how to convert a break point!

First break to Great Britain and Andy Murray. No matter how good a

player Pella is, and how high his ranking is, it's unlikely he'll have

played in such a furnace, noisy furnace, as this in his life before.

Maybe it's getting to him just a bit at the moment.

That was nearly a blistering shot from the Argentine. If he left it,

that was great judgment by Andy. Certainly was. I just noticed, the

last two points, the second service from Andy Murray, 105 mph and 108

mph. Very quick from him on second service. And consistently, his first

serves at the moment, in or out, are in the 130 bracket.

He made that look ridiculously easy, that forehand. 4-1 after less than

20 minutes. It's conjecture at the moment, but

in the media room, where there is a sizeable contingent of Argentine

media journalists, written, press, TV, radio, there was a simmering

anger about the possibility of Del Potro not playing and the error in

judgment made by either him or the team captain yesterday in playing

him in a doubles match that ostensibly they probably weren't

going to win anyway. It will be interesting to see how that

manifests himself -- itself in the afternoon if Del Potro isn't playing

in the final match. Daniel Orsanic, the captain, there's a quote of him

saying Del Potro was in the doubles because they were trying to kill the

tie and win the match. I'm not quite sure whether that's the whole truth.

He surely must know with the Murray brothers, no matter who he put on

the court, they were certainly strong second favourites to win that

match. I think John Lloyd made the point at the start, I wonder whether

the team and Del Potro had a discussion on Friday night saying,

the chances of me being able to play another five set singles are

virtually zero, why don't I play the doubles and give it a shot? However,

if that wasn't the case, it is utterly bizarre for him to play the

doubles. Obviously for that final match to

matter, to take place, even, map -- Murray has to win this game first of

all. He's not the biggest, not the

tallest. He's not the strongest. But he's a real athlete. He moves well,

very compact, good game. One break of serve is all it is at the moment.

What a great point that was from Pella. Don't forget, on Friday, he

made a fairly slow start, perhaps the same here. You would think these

types of rallies probably today given how Murrayism feeling might

suit the Argentinian bit better. -- how Murray is feeling. Water liked

it. There's a guy on Argentina's bench who looks like Jose Mourinho's

brother! Have a look next time. I should say that Pella is a Man

United fan. UMPIRE: Great Britain are

challenging the call. The ball was called out. As challenges go, I

think you'd say this at best is optimistic.

That's a great shot! He liked it, too.

That was the first cry of emotion so far in the match. This was the shot

that won the point, the crosscourt backhand. Andy Murray is using the

slice early in the points to try to give himself the opportunity of a

higher ball to hit shots like that. Emphatic stuff from the world number

two. That's a good 25 minutes work with

the first set of balls from Andy Murray. Every player has their own

idiosyncrasies their own superstitions you've known and the

long time. Has he always wanted the same ball for the next point having

won the previous point? Yes, from a very, very young age I can remember

playing in junior tournaments, under 12, and there were no ball boys at

that time, and how annoyed he might be with three balls in his hand and

I've got one and he wants it. Did you say you can't have it. I'd say

no! Come down my end and get it. When he was 12, did you know he was

special at that stage? Personally I wouldn't have. It was interesting

from his development. As a kid, he was always doing something

different. We would call him a hacker. Playing rubles all the time.

People would say he will get nowhere doing this. -- Moon balls. And he

would say look at the scoreboard. He won a lot. If somebody says you

can't do something, he's not one for saying OK, I won't do it. He finds a

way. Serving to stay in this first set.

He also started with a two handed forehand, which is also very

interesting. Until what age? Until about 11. Two hands on both sides.

You can be the best return art of serve in the world, but that was

beautifully placed by Pella. The onus on Andy Murray to see things

out after almost half an hour in the first set. The decibels level just

ramps up ever so slightly. UMPIRE: Argentina challenging the

call on the right-hand line. Ball was called in.

A lot of court for Pella to put the ball into. A slightly miss the

return giving him an extra angle and Pella will be annoyed with himself.

-- mis-hit. Andy said, let's go. How many times

in the Del Potro match did his serve come to the rescue? More of the same

there. And again the serve did the job.

After just over half an hour... If you're going to save a set point,

do it in style, and Pella did that. This is the danger with Pella. That

forehand, every now and again he unleashes a forehand or backhand

that is so much harder than his average rally ball. It's very hard

as an opponent to defend against that.

Talking about Pella occasionally throwing these crashing bores, can

you see it coming? That last one, no. -- crashing balls.

There is a rhythm and routine to this. The sound of the ball on the

racket strings, the ball into the net. The Murray shout of let's go,

that is acute for an eruption of noise in the Emirates Arena, as Andy

Murray and Great Britain have a second set point in this opening

set. Ace number three. Andy Murray is one third of the way towards

setting up an epic decider in this Davis Cup semifinal.

STUDIO: Andy Murray showing so much heart, pushing himself through this

match, pushing himself through that five match against Juan Martin Del

Potro. Looking to level the tie against Argentina. Let's update you

in what is happening in the other semifinal. Marin Cilic against

Richard Gasquet. Croatia leaving France 2-1. Marin Cilic currently

5-1 up against Richard Gasquet. There are many world lay-offs taking

place. -- world group play-offs. 2-1 in sets to Switzerland there.

Russia winning the doubles match to lead 2-1. Still a long way to go

because of the bad weather in Moscow. Germany against Poland. Also

in the fifth match. Back we go to the Emirates Arena, once again.

COMMENTATOR: We could have played this one outdoors, the weather has

been so good in the last few days. No encouragement to people in the

south who have had floods. We are indoors, the noise is remarkable.

Suddenly it goes quiet. That is masterful course management

from Andy Murray. -- court. I might just mention, to put those chickens

away. If Great Britain were to win, and Croatian were to win. The Davis

Cup final would be in this country. Put that in, in pencil. Certainly an

exciting thought. The anticipation, as soon as the

hits the previous shot, he is out of shot. Almost taking half a step

towards the next ball before it has been hit. Early break point in the

second set. We saw a close-up of Kyle Edmund,

the fact is standing courtside, with his hands on his hips, can we safely

say Dan Evans has been nominated for the final match? That is a definite.

Sitting there after the first set, never sitting out, when you think

you are going to play. Definitely decision made. Dan Evans will play

the final match. Juan Martin Del Potro not only

Argentinian bench, we suspect he will not be playing. -- not on.

Great serve, not just the pace, moving away the whole time.

Andy Murray putting his foot on the accelerator. One set and one break

after 45 minutes. If Pella is not careful, could run away with it.

Another issue second serve, 110 mph. I wonder whether that is tactical

because of Pella's return. All Andy Murray says he wants some short of

points. Never seen him hit second serves so great.

Fainted to go down the line, then of the last name. -- he feinted to go

Dandelion, then at the last moment. Might have just drifted wide. For

all the exhortation is from Stirling University. People power. Willing it

in in the last moment. Judy Murray taking up a different

position on today. Not the cleanest of strikes. Leaving

Pella in an almighty mess of the net. Such a clever shot, someone who

can hit such a flat backhand. Dipping it to the feet. Never going

to be a winner. But what are you going to do with it?

Leading directly to the double fault. Another great opportunity for

Andy Murray. The crowd exhorting him to keep going at this pace. Keep the

momentum going. Keep the tie edging towards 2-2.

Second opportunity for the break, and a 3-0 lead.

A couple of unusual misses on Last two break points. Backhand and

forehand. On Friday, much more animated reaction. Very careful to

date with his energy consumption. Great tennis from both players. As

the rally reached its conclusion, Murray moved one way. Final shot of

the point was tremendous. Getting his outside leg, such strength, to

deflect about. -- deflected that. Three opportunities to break. Errors

on all three points. Was that a forced error, or unforced error?

Probably forced, a first serve. Murray will be thinking he should

have made that. Pella showing guts, he's still in

there. A fit of anger in that one. Should

have won that game five minutes ago. Forehand providing the winner. The

backhand, the last five minutes or so doing a lot of damage.

Save five break points in this game. At 3-0 down, two breaks of serve,

that is two sets down. Nobody knows that, more than he does.

You would have put your house on him winning that one. So far out of

court, getting back into position, then another forehand error.

Pella thinking, am I still serving? He hears, chance to win this game.

-- here he is. Well played, well fought. Hanging

in, by Guido Pella, there. Staring at 2-0 sets down. Still in it. Andy

will not be happy about that. How hard you have to work to hold your

serve. Seriously tough game, well done Guido Pella. In the context of

the match, you are thinking how much is that taken out of him. I wonder

what he's saying to his captain, in terms of what he has to do going

forward. As good a player as he is. Murray has a bit too much game.

Another gear, looks comfortable in the points. Picking his moments when

to be aggressive. Is there an element of Andy, hurry, slowly.

Don't try to rush from the get the game out of the way, it will pan out

in a natural way, with the likely scenario he will win it. Don't try

to four scenarios. That is a good description of what he is doing. In

terms of managing in between the points. Weigh less animated than

Friday. Focusing his intensity, having won the first set, if he can

squeeze the opponent in the next 15-20 minutes, that will break the

back of the match. Pella wriggling out of that squeeze, just. He will

want to win this service came pretty emphatically.

You cannot fault him for effort. Good shot from Pella, tempting

Murrayfield. Using every ounce of his athleticism. Hardly surprising,

not hard to cheer for somebody trying this much.

Case number five from Andy Murray. Squandered a few chances in the last

game, not going to do it there. -- ace. Another factor why Andy Murray,

especially in Scotland, the UK, the world, is revered the way he is. Not

just his brilliance, tennis genius, his commitment and enthusiasm for

playing the game is extraordinary. If you have not seen the penultimate

point of his match against Del Potro on Friday, it is amazing. Really is.

Look at it on the Internet. After five hours, six minutes,

running around on Friday like it was the second point of the match. You

could hear his shoes screeching like car tyres.

Argentina challenges the call on the left baseline. The ball was called

in. The ball was out. And quite away,

two. That is three or four times Pella

has come in the Andy Murray, just not enough on that. He hasn't had

much success. Murray of course, some of the best passing shots in the

game. Neil Smith -- Leon Smith asks, how

was it possible for someone to hit the ball like that? The timing and

the angle, look at the look of Pella, he is astounded that is even

possible. His counterpunch is the absolute

best. Gets behind the ball, look how quickly he gets to that forehand, it

is almost unplayable. Well, it is unplayable.

He may have squandered six break opportunities in the last Pella

service game but one was enough here. Murray in complete control. A

set and two breaks now. Ever anxious to provide a public service on the

BBC, you don't need to look on you cheap or anything else because we

have dug out the penultimate match on Friday against Del Potro, to set

the scene. Five hours on court already. This is two points from the

end of the match and look at this in terms of commitment and energy and

never say die attitude. In the end, it was all too much.

Look at the reaction from the crowd. A standing ovation for Andy Murray

because they could see the effort he was putting in, even though at that

point, it was match point. Fantastic. Amazing and you were

saying, that is why even if people have their favourite players and

favourite styles that they prefer to watch, even if he is not your

favourite style, you can respect and appreciate. Everyone can, with that

type of effort. That was into the six hour of the match, to find that

type of energy. Energy in your legs to do that, incredible. And energy

in your mind. The first scent of the ice bar is in

Murray's nostrils. Pella is taking a lot of blows to

the solar plexus at the moment and he is kind of on the ropes. Thinking

slightly ahead, it'll be interesting to see how quickly Murray appears on

the GB bench for the deciding round, if it gets there. I have a feeling

he will be there almost from the start and right up behind Leon

Smith. You made the point about how much

that holding that serve would take out of Pella and it seems to have

taken quite a bit. It looks like his resistance is fading but I think it

is more as well mentally, he has run out of options a bit.

Even Andy Murray at full tilt couldn't get to that one, a very

clean strike. Pella has got himself back to level pegging in this game

and Andy Murray still is two points away from the two sets lead.

Talking to Leon Smith before this time began, he was saying he is a

huge admirer of Pella because of his work ethic and commitment and he

never throw the towel in and he is certainly not doing that here, even

if he is running out of options as Jamie said.

UMPIRE: Balls change, please. Pella is still in the second set, albeit

hanging on by his fingernails. You are the Argentine Davis Cup captain

what are you saying to him now? That is a really tough question. Sitting

there and admiring the tennis Andy Murray is playing. Judging by how

much Pella is talking, I think what the captain has said, what do you

think? What can you do to change anything? I think he is struggling.

I think all he can do, looking at the type of player Pella is, he goes

back to his strengths which literally is fighting for every

ball, not making any errors, being absolutely watertight and seeing if

you can somehow stay level on the score board and maybe everybody can

see, even now, how well Andy Murray is playing. I don't think I have

ever seen him look this tired, it is obvious he is putting his all into

the points. Interesting, in terms of where Andy Murray is placing his

serves. Two thirds and more going down the middle.

In this instance, going to the Pella forehand, like that. He is going to

the Pella forehand and to the backhand on the ad court.

Just now and again, he does that. Seven aces from Andy Murray today.

Here we go, first chance for Andy Murray to take the two set lead.

And put us within touching distance of a Davis Cup decider in Glasgow.

The job is almost done. Andy Murray two sets to the good. SUE BARKER:

Andy at his magnificent best, two sets up now. Let's show you what is

happening in Croatia. I'm sure they are equally noisy scenes there.

Marin Cilic just now on set away from sealing a place in the final.

Switzerland have won their match against Uzbekistan.

That's what has been happening elsewhere but here now, Andy Murray

just one set away from victory to level the tie against Argentina.

COMMENTATOR: Both players have left the arena. We keep saying Andy

Murray will be taking a breather after this but he has a big charity

night at a hotel in Glasgow. I think Gael Monfils is here playing

exhibition matches, Tim Henman and various other luminaries, it raises

a lot of money for the charities. It will be interesting to see, we are

getting ahead of ourselves but we have a couple of moments to have a

chat with Jamie. If Great Britain were to extricate themselves from

this two love deficit and win this tie, and it looks like Croatia will

make it through, it will be interesting to see what the options

are for a venue for the final. The nature of the Davis Cup, one of its

flaws in many ways, you know when the weekends but you don't know who

you will play or if it will home or away. Most venues of a certain size

are already booked, especially getting towards Christmas. Christmas

productions, rock concerts, whatever. It is conceivable they

might be coming back here. That is the key point because the Davis Cup

final is a massive event. You are looking at some of the biggest

arenas around the UK. Somewhere like the O2, the World Tour Finals the

weekend before, that would be amazing to keep it there but the O2

is booked I don't know how many months in advance. Everybody always

talks about quite rightly, these types of occasions, they are so

amazing and you want to spread it about the country, around the UK if

you can. In terms of an actual atmosphere for a Davis Cup final,

this place is as good as it gets. You can't argue that. All sorts of

regulations about what size the stadium has to be and how many seats

there has to be. Are you going to wear one of those jackets at your

wedding next week? I think I will stick to the more traditional kilt!

Looking forward to it? Very excited. All sorted? My better half has been

taking care of it all. Lucky she has allowed me to come here, this is the

weekend before! This is your stag weekend! LAUGHTER

I suppose all you can say is, keep going, keep fighting, you never

know, a window of opportunity might arise. It is worth repeating at

2:30pm on a Sunday afternoon, maybe you have just gone out for lunch,

and are sitting down in front of the telly to watch the tennis, it does

look and they have got up until an hour before the match begins, that

might be kind of now, they might have had to declare pretty soon do

the protagonists are going to be. There is a ten minute warning, I

gather so both captains have ten minutes to announce.

That is well played by Pella at the start of this third set. Final

match, only have two name the players ten minutes before they walk

on court says still ample time to decide whether Juan Martin Del Potro

will give it a go in the deciding singles.

That certainly makes it all very exciting. The whole point is you

wait to see the outcome. Andy Murray plays long from all over

the place and his touch is staggering. One of the best lobster

I think you have ever seen in tennis. He hit one on Friday, set

point down in the third set against Del Potro which was unbelievable.

And of course the lob to win the Davis Cup.

You asked me a few games ago whether you were able to read when the big

shot was coming. Well, Pella is not even in the short, he had absolutely

no idea that Murray was going to hit that backhand down the line.

Not sure Murray saw that one coming. Big hit from the Argentine.

First break opportunity for Andy Murray in this third set.

UMPIRE: Mr Murray is challenging the call made on the left-hand side. The

ball is called out. Andy Murray thinks that was out.

That must be policed in of all tennis balls in the history of the

game. Pella lives to fight another day in this opening game.

It is hard to imagine tennis nowadays without Hawk-Eye. It has

been an a fantastic invention. Provided the players haven't run out

of challenges, you can get the big call on the big points.

You would have put some money on that... I think he was just berating

himself as well, it was perfectly set up for the lob. Gutsy. Well done

Pella for holding on. You never know in this set, we were saying what can

he do, can he stay ahead? Can he stay with Murray for 15-20 minutes?

He has given himself a chance. That might effectively be much point.

Correct. As it is, as those fanatical... And they have been

great sports, Argentine fans, as they know, one slack game of Andy

Murray, one drop of a serve and then suddenly, this on for another hour

and a half rather than 20 minutes so.

I wonder if many of those hands have travelled far. Have you been to

Buenos Aires? Great place. The only time I have been, I didn't

see much of it, it was the last time we played Argentina 2008. It was

held in Buenos Aires. I saw a lot of the hotel and the tennis court!

You played the singles? Correct. Jamie Murray was there with his

rather long and curly hairstyle, there are some great pictures of

that. That was probably going in but it

hit one of the stanchions in the roof.

That is something, as we said, one moment like that, one momentary drop

in concentration, Pella has a sniff of possibly breaking Andy Murray's

serve for the first time in this match.

That Smith has now receded into the distance. -- that sniff.

Andy Murray down on his haunches. Favouring his right Sy, I think you

might have pulled something? He must be sore and stiff. From all the

exertions. It was almost like, please get me

out of here, I've got to get off this court and win this match. I've

been going nonstop since Italy. Five months ago.

This is did not move for that one told. Don't want to be alarmist, but

one or two raised eyebrows. Definitely see the train coming on

here. -- trainer. Towards the end of the second set, the Argentine

captain was on there, as long as you are on the court, anything can

happen. You never know, when your body is stiff and tired, you are

susceptible to pulling muscles. I think I heard Andy mouthing it

thinks he pulled a muscle. This is a twist in the tail, we were not

anticipating. In cruise control for much of the match. Not a question of

if he was going to win, but when he was going to bring. All the

speculation, we can say Daniel Evans will definitively play the fifth

match. Kyle Edmund still courtside. Discussing which of the Argentine 's

Dan Evans will be playing. Still a match to be won before that game

counts. Andy Murray has to get through this somehow. He will go off

the court for some treatment. He gets how long? Three minute

treatment period. From the time he goes off, the stopwatch will start.

You mentioned, you don't think you have ever seen him so tired on a

tennis court. Everything else that has gone on with their success on

the court? Looking back to when he won the Davis Cup last year, even

before that, there were some epic Davis Cup ties last year. Right

after Wimbledon, a big ask. Right into this year, he has made grand

finals. Finals in Paris. Since Paris, he won in Rome. Roland

Garros, then Queen's. Wimbledon. Winning the Olympics. Cincinnati,

the final. US Open. Towards the end of the US Open, you could tell. Not

just physical, it is the mental side, getting to the latter stages

of every single tournament. All the travel on top of that. All those

events in the summer months. Wherever the tournament is.

It is a combination of a lot of things. And of course becoming a

dad. That does change things. In terms of your lifestyle at home, the

amount of sleep you get. Some statistics, Murray can of where he

is hitting his returns. One of the things about the Murray return, on

first serves, starting quite behind the baseline, taking a big lunging.

Second service, well inside the baseline. Look at the difference.

One metre inside the baseline. Pella way behind, a couple of metres

behind, as an opponent, what that must feel like. Pella must feel like

Murray is coming on to him the whole time. Andy Murray must think, OK I

have time to build myself into the point. Contrast in styles. The

conversation they are having, a lot different to the one they were

having 15 minutes or so ago. If you are playing against somebody, who

potentially has a strain on the top of their thigh, it is the thing to

do, drop shots, moving around the court. Potentially one of the

greatest of all time you are playing. Not someone at a club

match. If your opponent is impaired, you can manoeuvre the game to impact

on that. Is he not late with that

announcement? I don't think he has gone to Waitrose. How do you in that

to your advantage? The first thing, you get an inkling, a change in

somebody? Behaviour. It is a good point, you have to consider the

level of tennis these guys are playing. You get a feel, you

probably would change your game, initially, particularly, in terms of

obvious stuff. Like the drop shots. Which would be a drastic change in

tactics, from what he's doing. That would come in if there was a

genuinely bad injury. Something causing someone a bit of a problem,

five, 10% down. Pella, his demeanour, game style on the court,

perfect to deal with that. Somebody he will keep the pressure on, not

make any mistakes. He will be alert enough, Izzy favouring beforehand,

the backhand? He will keep his cool, quite well. We have seen some

dramatic matches in the past, somebody struggling, and in person

at the other end cannot hit the ball into the court. Famous match Andy

Murray was involved in, three, four years ago. Extraordinary, the injury

Murray had seemed to paralyse his opponent. The US Open semifinal,

Gael Monfils and Djokovic. No injury, he realised that the start,

I am not going to play normally against this guy, getting killed.

Literally looked like was not trying. He was completely saying,

here you go, have something completely different. It was a mini

meltdown from Djokovic. Riveting stuff. Great tournament this year.

The US Open. If you are a fan of Argentina, some of the best strips

in the world. The football, the rugby. The combination of those

colours. One of the great anthems. Argentina playing

Australia in De Rugby Championship, at Twickenham. Had a chat with one

of the most stage people in the game, looking forward to that one.

Leon Smith calm, but I suspect inside, a little bit concerned at

the moment. They will be thinking, if he has a pulled muscle, something

that will hamper him, they will be the ones thinking tactically. What

should we be advising him to be doing, something dramatic? Shorten

the points. Not his natural style. Not going to play in 18 - 25 shot

rally from the baseline with a serious strain? Is this court

suitable for serve and volley? Not as quick as everybody thought before

the match started. You don't have five-hour matches on a fast court.

Andy Murray making a point, jogging back. I am all right, don't worry

about me. Interesting to see. You could see Pella thinking, I have

two making clay. Have to get the ball on the court.

He is walking pretty stiffly between the points. Once the ball is in

play, OK for the moment. A couple of times in this game, one

to the forehand, one to the backhand, Pella managing tough

angle. Murray looking slightly hesitant.

What a backhand from Andy Murray, that was. All about willpower, now.

You are right, what a shot. Every point he has won, in this game, you

have heard a big shout, come on. Willpower.

Again Digi backhand, crosscourt. Putting Pella and do all sorts of

pressure. -- again Digi backhand. What he is asking, a lady with a

Scotland flag not directly into Andy Murray's sight.

Great shot. Terrifc rally. Pella is in this. Two break points, for

Argentina. Getting carried away, sorry. He is

serving. It is so tense. This does have a different feel from

15 minutes ago, the end of the second set. Marie going off the

court, Pella looks like he does have belief, at least to get a set on the

board. Definite anxieties on the face of the British bench.

Two loose shots in a row. Just at the time when he does not need it,

as well. Argentina challenging the call, on

the right far sideline. Ball was called out. This is very, very

close. What would he not give for this to be out. It was a break of

serve in the end. Pella will be absolutely furious, thinking here we

go, I have a shot. Really four errors in a row. Including the last

one. That has opened the door for Andy Murray. He will not be thinking

of holding serve three times. That is all he has to do.

He knew that was out. He had a good old look. Come on.

Not much the Argentinian captain can say. You could see, the force he was

hitting his hand on the racket. All he had to do was keep the ball in

play as long as humanly possible. He gave that came to Andy Murray on a

plate. -- game. Moving OK? Obviously there is a bit

of soreness, something. Looks like it has focus the mind back onto the

court. Hardly missing a ball since he came back on court.

We might show you that later. What caused the amusement in the crown.

-- crowd. Just what he wanted. Such a good

service came from Andy Murray. These top players, once they get a lead,

so good at turning the screw. You saw Pella and his reaction of the

change of ends. He knew. Great Britain challenging the call

on the right baseline. Ball was called out.

Great Britain have two challenges remaining.

Andy Murray pulled up again here. On one leg, hitting a shot like that.

In his mind, he must be thinking, just another five minutes, that is

all I have to play, then I have a few weeks break.

Pella wants to keep him out the as long as is humanly possible.

The wave their ball just clicked away. You heard Jamie gasping at the

backhand. It was brilliant. Variety of shots. The variety of pace and

angle. The backhand was huge. Listen to the crowd.

How much top-spin was there on that final ball?

Another big serve down the middle, from the Argentinian.

That is the first one of those he has missed for a while.

That is a great shot. From a huge return by Andy Murray.

That was like a batsmen-macro hitting a ball bold-macro at 90 mph,

putting his bat in the way, shooting towards the boundary. Andy still 4-3

to the good. Further concerns about his thigh. Explaining the rules

about any further medical attention he can get. He can get two further

treatments at the change of ends, but in the allocated time, one and a

half minutes. Looking at the angle Pella got, you can see Murray, in

those last two games, it will help him, being more aggressive. He knows

he does not want to be defending, as he usually would be able to do. He

wants to be on the front foot. That will help in his service games. As

you were mentioning earlier, five more minutes. Get over the line. The

crowd will help him. Five more minutes, maybe ten, eight

more points. But you have to play each point on its merits, one point

at a time. I think this passing shot from Pella

might have been going long but fantastic touch from Murray. The

kind of folly his brother was playing yesterday. -- volley. Big

serve, big pull away. Ticking things off one by one.

I saw one of those T-shirts today, one of those keep calm T-shirts. It

just said, keep calm and marvel at Murray. Sometimes, that is all you

can do. The finishing line is insight. And

somewhere, in the corridors of this Emirates Arena, Dan Evans and we

assume, Leonardo Mayer, are warming up for what will decide this

extraordinary Davis Cup semifinal. When you have a bad leg, you will

take those all day. Look how far inside the baseline. Instead thigh

strain, I think he is now even a further metre inside.

CHUCKLES Almost but not quite.

Guido Pella must feel there are 8008 500 -- 8500 people at the other end

of the court. And just over two hours, Andy Murray stands on the

point of victory. Darn it. Andy Murray finds strength.

-- he has done it. British hero, Scottish hero, just a

hero. No matter what the circumstances.

A big round of applause for Guido Pella. I'm sure we will hear from

Andy in a moment. The way the dynamic of this tie has shifted,

assuming as we are, that Leonardo Mayer is going to play Dan Evans in

the fifth, from 2-0 down the other night. Despair shrouded the Great

Britain team. If you are the defending champions, you want to

hold onto your trophy. Things went very much against Great Britain but

thanks largely to the effort of this man, the most of comebacks is on

course. Well played, Andy, nothing short of

an heroic performance. How does it feel to have levelled the tie for

GB? It is obviously great. CHEERING We were in a lot of trouble a few

days ago but this is the best we could have hoped for, obviously

after Friday and Aadan has a chance to go out there and tried to go and

get the job done. Tell us what is the injury? How is the leg? I don't

know exactly, I have a lot of sharp pains in my right quad so I will

have to see what is up. I will get some treatment with the physio. I

will see what it is. I need a break, I've played so much tennis and my

body needs to rest. I needed now. You have had such a busy summer,

very successful, incredibly physical here, how much were you able to feed

off the energy of the home crowd? CHEERING

it makes a huge difference all of us. We have had some great moments

here in Glasgow, all the players have played really good tennis. We

need all your support for the next one and try to go for it. Finally,

there has been a lot of secrecy over the players for the last match. You

mention Dan Evans, what are your thoughts going into the deciding on?

Del Potro is a great player. Dan is difficult to play against, he has

proven that over the last few months. He almost beat Stan Wawrinka

and if he plays at that level, he has got a chance. It will be a good

one, go and get some treatment. Well done, Andy Murray. SUE BARKER: Andy

Murray is such a warrior, he was limping towards the end but still

managed to lift his game and the spirits of the crowds and they give

him a standing ovation. That was so well-deserved. He gives everything

on the court and a well-deserved rest awaits for Andy Murray. I'm

sure he will be courtside very soon and as he mentioned, it will be Dan

Evans taking the fifth and final match for Great Britain. He seems to

think it will be Juan Martin Del Potro but as we have been talking

throughout the afternoon, there is still some doubt over that, whether

it may be Leonardo Mayer because he left the bench early on. We will

know in about ten minutes. Marin Cilic has just served out

against Richard Gasquet. Croatia through to the final. If Great

Britain do win, it will be a home tie for them. Croatia defeating

France. All the talk is about this one. We want to talk about who will

play the next match but first, let's pay tribute to Andy Murray. I'm not

sure he could have lasted much longer. He had to win quickly today.

You could see that. The quad strain got worse as the match went on and

if it had gone on for another hour, who knows what would have happened

so he did very well to get it over with quickly. That injury was a real

scare. Everything was going very smoothly and suddenly, in the first

set, it was just a bit more than soreness. I don't know if it was a

bit of... It seems like you might have pulled a muscle. After he got

the treatment, on his service games, he was playing more aggressively and

I think it helped him. He did have the changes tactics. He went all the

big shots and they came off. Guido Pella had his chances in the four

errors, three of them unforced errors and he was serving very well.

It was the first answered the ball was played that he thought maybe I

can this match. He saw his opponent was injured and thought, I don't

want to miss this and any sort of got to a conservative -- he's got

too conservative. Murray was exceptional.

This was a long rally where Pella could not hurt him. That was the

problem for him. You could see early on that he was trying everything,

Pella. He would sometimes be aggressive and accelerate but how do

you find your way through? Unless you have a big shot like Del Potro,

and a big serve, how do you break through those defences? Andy Murray

was magnificent today. You felt like this one was when when he was

setting up break point and such strength from Andy Murray. Such a

physical player on court. I was interested to see how he would start

the match, whether he would come out aggressively or do what he normally

does and play people... He plays himself into the match and he

patiently picks his time. Today, there was a mix. That shot, how he

gets behind the ball, it is one of the main reasons he is good against

left-handers. We talked about his speed around the court and physical

strength which has improved so much over the last five years. He is

lightning. You can never put the ball away against him. This is a

great point. Then he comes in and does that. It is such a hard shot. A

very hard shot and Pella tried everything. Pella is thinking, I've

got to work harder but then he comes back at you and comes in, what can

you do against that? We talked about the summer and how

exhausted Murray is but he can still find that extra gear. You can tell

but he knew this was his last big effort. I could see he was spending

weigh less energy and between the points in that match. He knew he

wasn't up against Del Potro, one of the big guys but all his focus was

directed, he wasn't wasting energy. In a funny sort of way, hopefully

the injury isn't too bad and doesn't stop him doing what he needs to do

but I thought it focused his mind and help to finish the match off

more quick than it would have done. He was right in Pella's face towards

the end when he had that injury, he imposed himself on the match even

more after the injury. The great players have this presence on court

and Pella was thinking, what do I do? He saw Murray looking at him,

you have to hit way too many balls to beat me, it isn't going to

happen. Pella tried everything, you have to

give him credit but this type of tennis is relentless. Murray taking

charge of these rallies and Pella is doing all the running. Pella

couldn't get into the rally to start moving Murray around. Murray was

serving his second serve and his returns were big. He didn't let

Pella into the round. I've never seen him serve that

quickly in second serves. Consistently over 100 mph. Whether

it was a deliberate ploy, knowing how he was physically feeling, I

don't know. If he is able to do that and serve that quickly on second

serves, the question is, will he bring that into his game in other

tournaments? I think eerily served on double fault. We salute Andy

Murray once again. Let's continue the debate about who might play

because having seen Andy Murray out her struggling, it shows how much

the five hour match took out of him. It puts some doubt over the

likelihood of Del Potro playing? Big doubt. Rumours abound that it will

be Mayer. Del Potro didn't watch any games out there so if he is not

playing, it is the biggest bluff of all time. They'll think it is

coming. If Leonardo Mayer turns up, Dan Evans may pass out before he

realises who was opponent is. When Del Potro came at the practice, he

was only out there for about ten minutes. This was about as hard as

he served in that Walmart. He didn't look very interested. This is not

the warm up we would expect for someone coming out playing a fifth

and deciding rubber. You are now thinking Del Potro is playing. Andy

thought that. You just don't know. He might be saying to his captain,

I've played so much tennis, I don't need the warm up. I still feel it

will be Mayer but it is a bit of a bluff game. I think Del Potro will

somehow show up. I think he has probably had a little nap and had

the physio, I can't believe you were blameless. This is a chance for

Argentina get to the final of the Davis Cup. Alessi has pulled a

muscle, he will find a way to get out there. I might be wrong. It is a

proud Davis Cup nation. They have been desperate to win it. He is the

talisman, the one they look up to. In the press conference, this was

not a statement any Argentinian fans would like to see because he says,:

that suggests he is done. It does, I don't know. From the Argentinian

team point of view, I hope they know who will play and they are not just

finding out in the next five minutes. I assume they had a plan

this morning and they knew who would lay. I am hearing it has now been

confirmed, Leonardo Mayer. It is a whole different game now and a whole

different match for Britain and Dan Evans. All of a sudden, Dan Evans

goes from being certainly a lowdown... 30-70 chance to win, now

it is back to 50-50. I don't know how that will affect his mindset

because I'm sure Dan Evans thought he was playing Del Potro right until

now. It will be interesting. Leonardo Mayer has a tremendous

Davis Cup record and he has looked impressive. He warmed up today, a

full 45 minute warm up unlike Del Potro. His ranking may be 140 right

now but he was ranked as high as 21 in June last year. He is a top

player and a big hitter. We saw some glimpses in the doubles and you can

get into the top 30 in singles without having something about your

game. -- you can't get into the top 30 in singles without having

something about your game. Big returns when he was really letting

fly on a few ground strokes. Dan Evans, it is a totally different

match tactically because Del Potro, the way he was playing, it was very

clear how he was going to play. Now he is the favourite, Dan Evans.

As far as rankings go and his recent form, the US Open, he got through

and had match point against Wawrinka. You would have to think

this man, Dan, is the favourite to win this match and the tide.

Absolutely, he is the form player. A good Davis Cup record. Recently, he

has won a fifth rubber before. He is ranked high. With a home crowd, you

would have the Zeidan is the favourite to win this match. And he

has done it before. Been in this situation and done it before. He

likes the big occasion. That is massive and I think Andy and Leon

and the rest of the team, they always knew it would probably be Dan

Evans playing the fifth match. The other thing that is difficult, his

last match was at the US Open against Wawrinka. Quite a long time.

He has had some rest, not easy to be around this weekend with how much

tennis he has watched Friday and Saturday. He will have to come out

and be right on it straightaway. We will take a breather because in the

moment, Dan Evans takes on Leonardo Mayer to decide the tie. Andy Murray

has levelled it today but let's tell you the story of the first two days

in Glasgow. ANNOUNCER: Please welcome, Andy

Murray. A welcome for Andy Murray. Here we are after nearly an hour,

three set points. The ball went wide. He is livid. It

is 1-1. 2-1, Murray, three and a half hours

of the most enthralling tennis. That's brilliant from Del Potro.

Four sets, four hours, two apiece, everything you would want from a

Davis Cup tie and more. Made it! Magnificent from Del Potro.

One of the great Davis Cup matches of all time. Extraordinary. Revenge

for Rio, misery for Murray. The delightful Del Potro.

We needed that very much. I won but I still remember the Olympic final.

But I think this is very important for me, my team and we're looking

forward to reach another final of the Davis Cup.

My goodness, the defending champions needed a pick me up and Kyle Edmund

has just given it to them. Argentina move ahead. Couple-mac-

one. -- 2-1. The defending champions... A flimsy

one after the opening day of the semifinal. It is Great Britain 0-

two Argentina. A tough day when you are down, this

is one of the rougher ones but we have to keep fighting.

Britain's Davis Cup dream is still alive.

SUE BARKER: The fightback started with the Murray brothers yesterday

and then the younger brother and the continued, winning in straight sets

against Guido Pella. He had an injury, was limping in the last few

games but he gave it all, as he has done so often for his country, to

come through and level the tie with Argentina. It is 2-2 and all down to

the fifth and final match of the tie.

There is no Del Potro, Leonardo Mayer will be playing Dan Evans.

Andy Murray lost on the opening day to Del Potro. They came back hard in

the doubles and he wins this match today. He heads off for a very

well-deserved rest. The crowd are in full voice.

It was a huge cheer for Dan Evans as he was announced because everyone

knows this is such a chance. So difficult to come from two matches

down in a Davis Cup. This certainly is a chance and Andy Murray will

take a break from tennis but he will be the loudest person out there

supporting Dan. He will be banging his hand on the board to get down

going. This whole much has taken a completely different angle. I have

no idea where it will go. I think Dan is the favourite but the whole

mix has been thrown into complete disarray because he wasn't expecting

to play his opponent. He has had to adjust very quickly and I think it

will be interesting, Andy Murray will be in the locker room with Leon

Smith, giving Dan tips and getting him excited but not too excited,

getting him ready for probably the biggest match of his career. It is

huge, to try to come out here and win a semifinal in the Davis Cup. We

talk about the US Open and the Grand Slams but Davis Cup, playing for

your country is a different level again. It is massive and he has

everyone here cheering him on. You have to throw the rankings out of

the window, you don't even think of them. Mayer is 115 or whatever and

Dan Evans approaching top 50 but Mayer has some great tennis in him.

We have seen in the past, he has a good Davis Cup record but we have

seen in the past Dan can do it in a fifth and deciding rubber so I'm

excited. I don't want to have to predict it so don't ask me who will

win! I'm excited to be here but I would rather be in the press room

now because I want to know what the Argentinian press corps are thinking

about the fact Del Potro isn't playing. It is a staggering

decision. I can't still understand why he played in the doubles. We

have discussed and maybe he told the captain he only had one match left

in him and that was probably the doubles. Why would you give yourself

24 hours more just to see if there was a chance to play one of his

biggest matches, Del Potro, because the Argentinians have never won the

Davis Cup. He would be the favourite over Dan Evans but now, it is a

50-50 match. They are just about to introduce the lines people and ball

kids so we will be moving from BBC to BBC Two at 4:30pm. Plenty of

sport on the BBC coming up to look forward to. Match of the day will

include Watford against Manchester United.

We will be seeing Andy Murray there as well. The ATP Tour finals. You

know that Dan will thrive in this sort of occasion?

He loves this, coming into play big Davis Cup matches before. This time

last year he came in, Leon brought him in. He can play at this level.

It really works in his favour, pressure situations. He will ask

Mayer to do things, passing shots, coming up with winners, difficult to

do under pressure. Looking at the world rankings, Davis Cup very

difficult. He was 21 in the world in June last year, Leonardo Mayer. He

has done well in Davis Cup. He has,

picking up what Jamie Stead about Dan Evans. He is like an

old-fashioned player, chips and charges.

He has played in big matches this year, Dan Evans, played the

challengers, to get the ranking up. He has shown he is a top 50 player.

Always been that way in his game. Mentally about 400, going up and

down with his dedication. Now seems to be working hard, no reason he

cannot get into the top 20. He did show, with his run at the US Open,

we did think... But he went off the boil. He has done a great job, with

his coach. Looking to improve everyday. Going into the gym,

looking a lot better. I watched him a lot at Wimbledon. He dismantled

Alexander dog Alexandr Dolgopolov. Coming into

this match, he has had six months top-level tennis. We expect him to

deliver. Mark Hylton, coaching Dan, Kyle coached by Ryan Jones. Good

British coaches, good for the game. The players are in the tunnel. Here

comes Leonardo Mayer. What a different approach from both

players. Dan strolling onto the court, Mayer coming on like

prizefighter, ready for a bout. Interesting to see how he starts

off, in the doubles yesterday, very edgy. A lot of easy volleys, over

hitting it. Once he got into it, play very well. Does not want to

give Dan Evans an early break. Not an easy player to play against, he

messes you about. What you are saying about a slow start, that is

why he is a good option for a match like this. He won't give Mayer the

time to feel his way into the match. The modern player gets to hits a lot

of balls early in the match. If he senses that Mayer is nervous, he

will come in more, making sure he sees less of the ball. I'm sure Dan

is nervous, but you never feel that in any match. He has a pretty good

presence, does not show his hand, winning or losing. Pretty stable.

When you have Leon on court. If he does have any lapses, having a coach

with the captain, can really help. So he does not dip. He loves this

atmosphere, I think he will play well. Mayer played in the doubles

yesterday, for Dan, not playing the first singles, is that a

disadvantage. He is fresh, that is why I made the point. Having not

played, it is tough. The preparation until Thursday, it would have been

fine. Played a lot of tennis. Sitting around. Not that easy. About

11 o'clock on Friday, they probably knew he would play on Sunday. Not

your normal routine, difficult. Questions asked about Leon, not

playing him in the first one. Always knew he would play in the fifth one

if needed. Perhaps conjured not be too critical of his choice. Fair

enough. Played extremely well, Kyle Edmund. Deserves his chance against

Pella. Did not play as well as we would hope. I think it will be fine.

Kyle owning his place, what he did in Serbia. Two matches like that,

almost in his hands, he came through big-time. The selection was

absolutely fair. As far as Dan is concerned. Not the usual one you see

on the tour. A lot of variety. Improving a lot, in the last 12

months. He can do a bit of everything. He has a good first and

second serve. He now uses his forehand as much as he can. They

wanted this one to be needy fast. Is that a disadvantage, to Dan? It

would have been nice to be a bit quicker. People talk about his

variation, I like the way he will hit an innocent looking slice,

coming behind it quickly. One of the best and volleying on the tour.

There is the man we thought would be out there. Juan Martin Del Potro.

True to his word. Did not want to put one match ahead of his career.

In some ways, you have to understand that. Out of the game for 2.5 years.

He has made his way back, beaten Andy Murray, he feels he is right

back on the top of his game, could be facing surgery. Someone on

medical advice, totally changing the way he plays. Single-handed

backhand. We know he can hit two handed backhand. Hardly hitting one

slice yesterday. Just not so hard. Taking that advice very seriously.

Does not want to be in a position where he cannot play any tennis. The

question I am asking, if he was not playing, why was he not sitting out

here for the first match. I'm sure it was to make Dan think about

Hughie was playing. So he could prepare for both players. All part

of it. What I cannot understand with Del Potro, as Jamie Stead, he had to

hit the two handed backhand in the doubles. A lot more than against

Andy Murray in the singles. Putting more pressure on his wrist. If he

only had one match, why not keep it to the singles? A big cheer for Dan

Evans. That is the response from the crowd. Jamie you will be amongst

them all. They will play their part. They are going to try to disrupt

Leonardo Mayer, as much as they can. All part of it. That is why you have

the advantage of a home match. I would expect to see the whole GB

bench, led by Matt Little, to start orchestrating the crowd to get them

going. They are in full voice, they know how important this is. There is

Matt Little. Andy Murray's trainer. Tortuous fitness regimes. He is a

torture trainer. Going to train with them. He will put this crowd through

a torture chamber. If they get quiet, he will be up on his seat. We

talk about how the crowd plays such an effect. Why the British team are

out there, cheering along with the barmy Army. Trying to get them to

worry the Argentinian team. To really support Dan Evans. He will

love the noise. This is where Leon, and John, they can play a part.

Best-of-5 sets, a long match. They will have ups and downs, if he does

not make a good start, feeling like a heavy point. They have a thousand

people behind them. Every single step. What an asset. I would rather

be the home player than the away one. How do you think Dan will

approach this? I was expecting to be very aggressive, mix up of first

serve, volleying, slice. His forehand has become much bigger in

the last 6-12 months. He will look to use that as much as possible. All

about taking the time away from Mayer. Not giving him time to do

what he wants. Making him feel, listen, I am Dan Evans, this is my

court. Thank you, Jamie. Only ten times since the world group was

devised, no country has come back from 2-0 to win a time. This is what

the British team once Dan Evans to do. Here we are, 2-2. This match

will decide who goes through to the Davis Cup final. Sit back and enjoy

it with John Lloyd and John Inverdale.

COMMENTATOR: Funny, the way the world turns. Ranked way down a 700,

regarded as the on-farm -- enfant terrible British tennis,

now with a chance to go down in British tennis history.

John Lloyd, you are a bookmaker. What odds are you offering in this

game? I would say, we are slight favourites, 55-45. 55-45. Isn't that

what I said? In favour of Dan, by the way.

I'll tell you one thing, this does not have the feel of what you expect

in a Davis Cup deciding match. Both players would be edgy, they are both

coming out in striking the ball straightaway.

A huge opportunity for Dan Evans. Also a huge opportunity for that

man, too. Rich Davis Cup is. -- history. Never winning it.

I actually went to the press room between the matches, talking to a

couple of the Argentine journalists stop talking about the whole Del

Potro scenario, why he was not playing. The general consensus was

the Argentine captain did not want to play him, and Del Potro insisted.

I believe we can win it today. If that is the case, interesting

scenario. Interesting back story, to what may unfold over the next 2-3

hours. I have no doubts the decision came from Del Potro. If that is the

case, well... It does pose an interesting question

about the role of the captain when you have a big superstar in your

ranks. I can tell you about that, if you want.

That is out of the Andy Murray playbook. We will see more than

that, Dan Evans did not get enough on the volley. Still, tremendous

top-spin lob. That will not stop Dan from doing that again.

That is what you call a trifle ambitious. Like one of yours.

Always good to get a score on the board.

Not going to miss Dan Evans at night, in those shoes. During the

course of however long this takes, we can talk about Daniel Evans a

lot. You have known him for many years. How world would he have been

when you first met him? Good question. I picked him in his first

Davis Cup match. Could not have been much more than 18, 19. Against

Poland? Yes. He's hit some big shots in the

doubles, but also missed a view. A bit like Andy Murray, defending

really well. In travel a few times. Got himself back into the rally.

Excellent point. Early days, here we are, two break points.

He is getting his racket on a lot of the Serbs. He seems to be reading

the serve pretty well. He knows he's into the Argentine's serve. Whatever

the outcome. We'll give him a lot of confidence.

Mayer to get the first mini hold of the match.

Only in Davis Cup is it permissible to applaud an opponent's double

fault. I was going to say that. Del Potro has been more vocal in

this match, than the whole time. He knows how important this is. He

knows this is a 50-50 game. Can have a big part to play in this match.

Interesting to see how much he does at the changeover. With Del Potro,

he almost didn't say anything. Like a statue.

One of those games, that if you can hold, you are believed. From Dan

Evans' point of view, he's eyeing this. The chance, early on.

Not playing percentage tennis, Mayer. Big opportunity for Dan

Evans. Dan Evans lands the first blow. A

lot more punches to be thrown, before Great Britain make it through

to a second consecutive Davis Cup final. Just had a message from six

exile British tennis fans, in a bar in Sydney, Australia. Three o'clock

in the morning, at work in four hours' time. Going through the

night. Could be a long one. Not an hour where you think Xavi go to bed?

Both going for it. Surprised how aggressive Mayer has been. Any

chance to attack, he going for it. Made Day few unforced errors. Does

not want down to dictate, with the variety he has in his game. Every

time he gets a chance, going for a big shock.

-- shot. We saw that in the men's doubles, did not have a good start,

then caught fire. We have said not many come from 2-0 down. The last

time Britain did that was against Russia, in 2013. Daniel Evans

winning the fifth match. The last time Britain had done that

before that was 1930, against Germany. It is that rare.

When Mayer gaze Bay, he goes big. Right in the middle of the service

box. It said hit me. Don't think that will happen too many times.

He will relishing the bear pit Dan Evans. He is that sort of character.

He started off so well. Mayer has had a look at his captain there. He

hasn't got the balance yet. There is a line, being aggressive and being

hasn't got the balance yet. There is a line, being aggressive and being

reckless. At the moment he is not settling

before he is going for the big shot. At times there, his balance was off.

Mayer took just a bit off those shots there. Exactly right. He

wasn't going for the lines there. His margin was a little bit safe

Coppinger. That may have been what his captain said to me Probably,

yes. When he comes in on that sliced

backhand, there is a lot of byte on him. A lot of backhand slices in the

modern game. Players play with two hands which Dan doesn't have. The

backhand slice seems to float but that went on the court and stayed

low. Tough to pass on that shot. Good court coverage by Essex but

Mayer was in control of that. -- by Evans.

If Leon Smith was watching on that one, he would have been saying -

it's OK, if you can hit shots like that every point, good luck trying

to hit those. It was a good rally. He is an imposing figure, Mayer,

though, isn't he? He can be. He has a lot of power. I think at the

changeover his captain will be telling him he has to get his

balance a little bit right. It was almost over-hyped. He has made ten

unforced errors, compared with Dan Evan's two at the moment. That has

been the story. He has to calm down a little bit.

OUT. It is worth saying that Mayer was

once ranked in the top 30. Got as high as 21, I think. You don't get

to that point unless you are a class player. He has dropped recently but

it is there in his game. That was an emphatic shot to finish

that off. Great Britain, in the shape of Dan Evans still have a

break in this opening set. Before we talk about Dan, let's see what the

captain is saying to his charge. Not a lot at the moment.

Well, he is going to say something. There we go. There we go, "How is

the racket?" Here we go. Let's talk about Dan Evans. There is Dan and

Leon Smith. He has had bad publicity over the years, Dan. Some of it of

his own making. He has been the architect of a lot of it. But, has

he had sometimes unfair treatment, do you think at the hands of the

media? Well, I think, when you look at someone like Dan, one of the

great things that an outsider doesn't like to see is someone who

wastes talent who. Doesn't fulfil their 100% potential and Dan has, at

times, as he is right now - but there has been many other times

where he has dipped almost off the planet, where he hasn't trained and

his motivation has gone. I think that's where it gets crucial.

Everybody, sometimes other than himself, can see how good he could

become. In this day and age it is a business. If your levels drop with

your work rate and work ethics, your ranking will drop. And that's what

everybody wants him to do. To keep the kind of level we have seen

recently. If he can sustain this, he could be top 20. But if he drops, he

will be out of that top 100 very quickly.

Mayer doesn't want to go back to playing challenger tournaments in

Uzbekistan and things like that. That's where the hard work comes in.

- maybe he doesn't want to go back to playing challenger tournaments.

But this is a huge opportunity on a grand stage.

You are absolutely right, John, in the context this match could

literally win us the Davis Cup. OK, there is a little team in front

called Croatia but it would put us in an amazing position. It could,

almost it comes down to this match. He has an opportunity here for his

career. Imagine what this could do for him, if he does it the right

way? Well the net is on Dan Evans' side

at the moment. The whole point is that it is 4.30pm

on a Sunday afternoon. Millions watching in this country but this

game is being watched all over the world, in bars in Sydney. This is a

wide, wide constituency who are seeing Dan Evans. Andy Murray is

back. If you are a spectator and watching

this and thinking of Dan Evans across the net there, this is the

biggest match of his career, without question. Andy is back. Now, do you

shrink or flourish? Do you embrace the moment?

In a second we'll start seeing Andy beating the boards there, with his

support. Hopefully he has enough strength in

his legs to stand up and do that. UMPIRE: New balls, please.

So, Evans with his nose still in front.

The first set in every match is important. Sometimes with a capital

I. In the context of this match and everything else, all the hull la

balance lieu that is going with it. How significant do you think, if

Evans was to win this first set, that might be? Obviously it is a

great help. I don't think you would say - OK, now, he is a definite

winner. This is five sets. The best of three is a different ball game.

The best of five sets is a marathon. Mayer is going to get better. You

have seen glimpses of him. At the moment, he still hasn't quite got it

right with his tactics. Impressively to me, it is the way Dan has come

out and played superbly. He has been the patient one. Aggressive where

necessary. He has made almost no unforced errors. He is on top of his

game and in control. His opponent at the moment is a little too fired up

and he has to pull back a bit. It is an interesting first set but I don't

think it'll necessarily make a difference between the winner and

loser. I see just a long match coming here. I can't see any other

way it is not going to be. It just has that feel. But maybe not.

I thought Del Potro would be playing, so what do I know? !

I think it is fair to say, if Del Potro isn't playing, it will

definitely be Delbonis who plays. I should just say as Dan Evans takes

the first two points, if you have just tuned in to watch Escape To The

Country, we are staying to watch this final rubber in the Davis Cup

between Great Britain and Argentina. So you can escape to Glasgow until

5:30pm at least. Andy watches on pensively. All energy spent.

So impressive so far from Dan Evans, he is just looking so solid out

here. Almost no unforced error is. And completely at home.

That is the worst shot he has played the whole day. Some people do crave

the big stage, don't though? And sometimes playing second tier

tournaments in front of half a man, getting the motivation going even

with the knowledge this is the carrot is hard to do.

You are right, and you always hope is a Davis Cup captain that you have

players that play above their ranking when they come out here, and

we have had that example in the last few years with James Ward, who so

helped us win the Davis Cup when he beat John Isner against the USA,

that tends to get forgotten because of all the stuff that Andy Murray

did. You want players like that that can

peak when they play for their country.

Mayer hangs in there, it is up to Evans now to finish it off. This is

the big game now. He made a few errors in that game, but he has

managed his serve so well, he has looked solid in all departments,

only five unforced errors, phenomenal at this level. It is the

old cliche, but it is literally one point at a time here, don't look too

far ahead. Leon Smith is chatting to him a lot at this changeover. When

you were giving chat room in similar circumstances to this, did you feel

that it was going in, or is it almost sometimes white noise because

the player is in such a zone of their own making that in a sense,

what is happening around them, they are not absorbing? Each player is

different and has a different personality. Some don't want to

talk, others want you to talk and want to talk to you and want