First Round - Great Britain v Japan: Day 3 - Part 2 Davis Cup

the Madison, we are going to the red button.

Now, we are going over to the Davis Cup.

We are leaving BBC One but welcoming queue was on BBC Two to this cup tie

between Great Britain and Japan. We are enjoying this outstanding

match between key Nishikori, and Andy Murray. Goodbye to viewers on

BBC One, the tennis continues on BBC Two. -- Kei Nishikori. COMMENTATOR:

A comfortable enough hold to maintain that slender advantage, 2-1

in the second... Second set? That was a while ago! Everybody's

concentration goes after a while, that is the ebb and flow of these

sets, it is interesting, that point from a man who knows his tennis,

Gary Stewart, he wonders whether or not we should have tested, we being

Great Britain, should have tested Andy Murray in the doubles

yesterday, does that have an effect now? That three set work-out? I

don't think so. It was such an easing match, much more than a

practice session really. It could have gone on to four or five sets,

but it was so comfortable. We've been focusing. He was venting, maybe

his legs and quite bending that way. Nishikori is looking half a step

slower. Quite rightly, I'm not saying he should not be. It is three

hours and 15 minutes of gruelling tennis, but it seems he's taken a

few chances too soon. His legs went in position on a couple of ground

strokes. It's a battle of the wounded here. -- were not in

position. He's taking a long time over the points. But that is the ebb

and flow of the physicality and why you love it. It is a true test. That

is why I prefer Test cricket over T20 cricket.

he can't find one, he makes one. And the national anthem of Germany.

You know when something is happening. It's a competitive

instinct. Big ten minutes coming up. He can't find a first serve at the

moment. OK. Here we are. Look at the focus on Murray's face

now. How different. Don't miss those. He knows that's

big one. Not the time to go mad at your bench. You would have taken

15-30 at the change of ends. Nishikori is taking so long between

service. He hasn't had a first serve in for some time. He needs one.

Novak Djokovic has gone two sets all in front of his home fans in

Belgrade against his opponent from Kazakhstan. The winners of this

match between Great Britain and Japan play the winners of that.

Probably going to have a fifth and deciding match in that contest. It's

not hard to understand why the very best players don't play Davis Cup

every year. This is the world number two and the world number six. The

world number one struggling in Belgrade. They have to go to Indian

Wells and get back on the circuit next week. It is a lot of energy.

Not one first serve in this game. But still ahead in the game.

Beautiful shot. Best one he has hit in a while. He really got his feet

right and hit it early. Extended through beautifully. Didn't pull up

on the ball. With the pace of these courts these

days being so slow, so many of these rallies remind one of squashed.

Working the ball each time into the corner, taking its toll eventually.

Perhaps a few less clean winners these days, certainly less volleys.

First first serve he's got in. What a time to do that. What a big effort

there from the Japanese number one. To con the overhead. Could have

bounced it. He has missed some of these. -- took on.

You see, that's a 90 mph serve. If his feet were moving the way they

have been, he would have taken that on the forehand. There were plenty

of time to move around. He just didn't move the feet. Great hold.

Nishikori is not going anywhere. We didn't think you would. There is

always the possibility that your head goes down and two or three

games can disappear. Not a bit of it. The standard of tennis has gone

down. No doubt about that. It comes to a battle of wills. For me, Murray

is going to take that. But it is exhausting.

Murray has only ever lost twice in singles in a long Davis Cup career

stretching back to 2005. He lost to Stan Wawrinka in clay in Naples.

That foot workfare. Late on the ball. -- that footwork there.

Stunning. This is what Jamie Baker was talking about. That ability to

get through the court and get these fluffy, heavy tennis balls through

the court. Well done, Kei Nishikori. Nice sportsmanship.

And that would be the break of serve. This is going the way of

Japan. And he has rather taken the crowd out of this. They are a lot

quieter than they have been. John Lloyd asked me one of the questions

with the mike down. As Andy Murray ever lost from two sets up? I think,

only once. When he was very young in 2005, Wimbledon. Third round. His

first Wimbledon. Against David Nalbandian. That doesn't really

count. That was before he was a RealPlayer. He went physically in

that match and Nalbandian could drive you mad in that regard. He

could sap the energy of any player. And on Grassi was very effective. It

has been a long time. It might be one of the toughest matches Leon

Smith has had to deal with for a long time. The mood that Murray has

been in. He could have easily lost the second set. The last set and a

bit, it has been pretty tough going if you have been in the Murray

support camp because of the stuff going on. They are all in this as a

team. Whatever he needs to do to win. If you need to vent and get it

out of his system. A bit of abuse. Then that is what you need to do.

Talk about a player used to toughing it out. The world number one

Djokovic. Back to all square in his match. Not too much wrong with the

legs on that one. Got up to the forehand lightning quick there.

Excellent hold. A bit of rhythm back on the serve. Looks a little

quicker. Amazing how sometimes you get that energy when you start

winning. One of the biggest things that helps you not be tired any

more. He gave that one away. A little bit

there. Not too much effort on that one, this is a worrying stage here,

he has to hold this game. The ball has gone in. That was a

late challenge as well. Just caught the line. I think he

thought this was going out when he hit it, he hooked it a little, it

just crept in. Big trouble now. Just not moving his

feet in this game. It is interesting, Nishikori held

his hand up there, I'm not sure he is able to do that. Not strictly by

the rules. Never mind. Grants are so -- it glances away.

Suddenly, it looks like a fifth and deciding set coming up, it read for

fans of tennis, but it is quite a demand if you are supporting Andy

Murray and Great Britain's chances, as most of the domestic market would

be, it is difficult to watch. I would be very concerned now, I do

not know how many more places Andy Murray can get some energy from?

This is the five-week lay-off happening now. We were all concerned

and talking about it, playing against his opponent on the first

day of the doubles, he could have had 12 weeks off and it would make

no difference, no disrespect, he is so much better. But up against a

world number six after a gap of five weeks, no matter how hard you train,

it is not the same of playing these kinds of points for so long. His

legs have gone. If he can come back from this position, it would be an

amazing achievement, one of the greatest in my opinion. But you

never know, sometimes you get these reserves of strength, it's -- it

sometimes comes back, but at this evidence, he has gone. He was like

this against Simon at times as well, you would think there was no way

back. It was the concentration, is it the physical side or the

concentration, or the legs? I beg -- are they connected? I'm not

convinced he is out of it, Kei Nishikori looked tired. There is a

battle going on, now he looks exhausted, somehow he is going to

get the ball back somehow, and I think somehow he will find a way.

But it will be one of his best performances ever in the Davis Cup

if he comes through, possibly the best.

Time has been called here. Kei Nishikori is at the line ready to

serve, he is really taking his time here.

It is a wonderful tennis match to watch. Especially for the neutral.

Maybe now he is down this double break he will take a lot more

chances? And release some of the tension that has been there from the

middle of the second set, he ended up winning it. He is wanting it so

badly. Sometimes it can act against you.

Sometimes you have to let things happen.

It's a stupid game, it is exhausting to play and to watch!

Both players have dominant five set records, if we do indeed go to five

sets here. Murray has won 19 and lost seven,

112 and lost four for Kei Nishikori, he is very good.

-- won 12. May I remind you... That call was

about half an hour late, and half a metre wide! It is taking the Mick

out of the umpire. He knew that it was not in.

Yes, he's going for it all right! That shot had a look as well, not

going to run for another ball here, he may as well get another winner

here or that is the end of it. He belted it.

It's a funny old game. Kei Nishikori served a double fault, Andy Murray

goes for it, all of a sudden now, if Andy Murray can hold the serve

somehow, Kei Nishikori maybe a bit wobbly.

Now, there is some freedom in Andy Murray's muscles, freedom in the way

the racket clears the body. Certainly, he's working again. This

is what happens when you let yourself go a little bit, relax...

He's trying to shorten the points. Opening up, it is dangerous

sometimes for your opponent. This is his last challenge. Yes.

Floated a long way long. No challenges remaining, it could be

crucial. It packed rafter up there now. A

beautiful old-fashioned volley game, when it is required. I am already

looking forward to the next. Me too. And the next game it is. Nishikori

has lost two games in a row. Murray is relaxed, and focused. Nishikori

knows here that if he misses any first serves, Murray is swinging

from the hip. He is going after it and smacking it. We will see if he

does it now, there is some link to lose in this next game or whether he

knocks it into game and stays patient. I'm sure in the back of his

mind, Kei Nishikori is thinking that way, the way that Andy Murray has

hit the ball in the last two games is the best he has done in the last

set and a half. His legs look better again, and he is moving, getting on

top of the ball, taking it early. A fascinating game coming up. 16

nations, eight ties in the first round, Britain won it last year, top

seeds this year. 135 nations have entered this World Cup of tennis, as

some of our PR and marketing people would have it, not far from the

truth. It is a top team competition in men's tennis, as is the Fed cup

in women's. And it is testing. Britain won the doubles, it is Andy

Murray can beat this match, they beat Japan -- can win this match.

It is a live this match. -- fifth match.

We could be going home at three o'clock in the morning. Nobody is

moving from here unless they have something very important going on.

Serving for two sets, the Japanese number one.

Big forehand there and then this one. That is big-time tennis, right

there. 121 miles an hour. Doesn't get much

bigger than that from Nishikori. That is full throttle. The British

part of me wants to see a break of serve. The tennis fan wants to see a

fifth. You've got to hand it to Nishikori.

That is to excellent service. -- that is 2-macro excellent service.

Now, let's see if he attacks this one. Tried it. Snatched at it a

little bit. Magnificent comeback from two sets

down to two sets all. Great Britain versus Japan is going to become a

classic Davis Cup tie. Let's get some of the courtside at atmosphere

with Jamie Baker. Nobody would have predicted this yesterday. You might

have to think that their decision not to play Nishikori yesterday

might have been a good one. He will obviously be the fresher of the two

players. If you look at the difference between the two players

at the moment, Andy is wearing his heart on his sleeve and burning

energy between points. Nishikori is giving nothing away. Massive

pressure. I think it is going to be a battle of willpower. If you wanted

somebody on your team to come through, it would be Andy Murray. He

has done it so many times. Nishikori hasn't lost since 2012 in Davis Cup.

Leon Smith has an important role to play. He has never been in this

position before. He will have to find the balance here. He has never

had to challenge Andy in this way. These are both amazing players. Andy

is a Grand Slam champion. To win his first Grand Slam, he had a two set

lead and had to come back to win the final set. Good points well made.

One final thing, the case go right now. Andy, one break, 6-36- four. We

talk about Murray. Nishikori is going to have plenty to say. I40 was

going. It just shows, when you start to win, adrenaline kicks in and you

forget fatigue. I have so much respect for Murray's game and I have

seen him do this kind of thing. Not as bad as this for awhile. He looks

like he is out he somehow regroups. If we were allowed to bet, I

wouldn't be putting too much on it. Nishikori is a class player and he

is as quick as Murray, if not quicker. The difference is the

serve. Murray not getting as many cheap points. Not hitting the big

serves in the corner like he was. That has almost been negated. It is

an even match. All willpower now. Mother's Day. It is hard enough to

watch if you're not related. Let alone being a mum or grandmother

watching. I couldn't even watch my girls play netball without becoming

ridiculous. Andy is first out. He is going to be asking the umpire about

the time pretty soon. I have to say, Nishikori has been pushing it a

little bit with the time between points. The umpire looking out.

Let's hear it for the power of youth. This balmy Amin ever stop.

CHANTING -- this balmy army. They were

probably doing this until late last night as well. They are a great

bunch. They are all junior doctors and surgeons and architect and the

like. People who will be of great responsibility one day. Get the

responsibility out of your system before you start operating on

people. Look at this. The future of the UK. Yes, Nishikori coming out

for what could be a grand fifth set. Enjoyed this. He beat Vasek Pospisil

and Millard 's Raonic last year. Hasn't lost a Davis Cup tie for all

these years. Marie has -- Murray has only lost to have. Final set.

So hard to knock this man off balance. To knock him off the

baseline. That was the wrong shot because it just opened up the angle

and he was just chasing the ball down. Easy saying it from here but

Nishikori is so quick. That's wide. I believe he's going to be

disappointed with this, the Japanese number one. It's just floated off a

slight mis-hit. I think he has wasted a challenge. Worth a look but

a challenge gone early. What a shot! How did he manufactured

at angle from that position? Fantastic backhand. Good slice,

deep. No problem. And he hits a winner from there. That is just

brilliant. That footwork we talked about. After three hours and 58

minutes. News from Serbia. As you might

imagine, Novak Djokovic has managed to come back and win in five sets to

keep Serbia's hopes alive for hours and 57 minutes. Just a little Sunday

run out. This match is a bit of a lightweight in comparison. What are

they tired about? The winner of GB - Japan, if you're

just joining us, early Sunday evening, the winner plays the winner

of Serbia - Kazakhstan. Either home or away depending on who wins.

He's got it. He's absolutely gutted. And he absolutely deserves it. A

12th break of serve in the match for Nishikori. That matches Murray. It

puts him ahead in the fifth set. There was a ball in the rally

earlier that might have been wide as well. He hit two ridiculous

backhands in this game. The speed getting up to the ball was

phenomenal. It looked in that game like the match had just started, the

way he was moving. That's a bad sign for Murray. If you look at the way

the patterns are developing. When they commence their rally and it

opens up and a pattern develops, Murray is covering more ground. The

crowd are doing their part. They have not stopped. They can make a

difference here. When you're feeling low and screaming every point can

certainly help. Murray a break down to Nishikori in

this fifth and deciding set. That was ambitious second serve ads

you - 30. If it caught the line it would have been a good one. -- at 0-

30. Andy Murray refusing to be

steam-rollered in this fifth set. Fantastic. Fantastic point. Such

variety, the looping forehand. His opponent nicer and deeper, in

another great position. Then just flattens out the backhand. When you

think of the matches Murray has played against Nishikori in the

past. Not had any problems. This is an absolute monster. Six straight

points for the British number one. He is back to where he is pushing

right on top of the baseline and getting Nishikori on the run. Not

giving up as much space as he was in the fourth set when he was the one

getting pushed back. That was beautifully done. It's not

often that you will break out Andy Murray, that is normally a Roger

Federer type. Absolutely, I think he is the only other player I have seen

do that shot. Just pushes through it, gorgeous. The best thing about

doing it to an opponent is you make them feel like that! They can bleed

you did it! -- they cannot believe you did it.

From dumping your server, first game of the fifth set after four hours,

to come back and break her love, even the guy on the sound system has

the right idea. All helps to put a bit of a surge into Andy Murray

playing in front of a home crowd. Scenes in here that you could not

imagine a few years ago. And let's not be under any illusions, we have

some good players who have performed very well, James Ward, Kyle Edmund

will be one for the future, and Evans may still be required to play

a fifth match tonight. Jamie Murray, Colin Fleming, Ross Hutchins. That

forget about it if Andy Murray was not presence and in the game. -- but

forget about it. Which is why no matter what it costs he has got to

be a major factor in where the game goes when he no longer plays. How

could you throw what he has got away? You have two stay in the game,

that has been the one problem over the years, the expertise has been

lost, too much of it. He reckons he can play another six or seven years,

Murray. Seems like a long time now when you are into the set! He will

be so tired at the end of this match he might want to take another four

weeks off. This is an exhausting match but a brilliant match.

Must be very wearing fur Nishikori every times he makes a mistake he

pleases so many people so much and they show their appreciation with

applause and cheering. It must be quite a wearing factor over four and

a quarter hours. You might say that was the right

play. Again, just the last couple of sets he is just a fraction late, not

catching it right on the rise. Just a fraction late. Is he right to

continue with that tactic? Unless he can get the spark where he feels

like he can get on top of the ball more I think he might be better just

to stay back a little bit and get into the rallies.

Brilliant. Time and that one a lot better. -- timed that one.

Excellent serve. Only 105 but what an angle, so short.

It is that low elbow again, it is trouble, trouble on the second serve

particularly. Watch it here. Really close to the body, nothing up and

ready about it. And he pulls down too quickly, does not keep it up

long enough. That overhead could prove really

costly. It was called out. It was a

correction. OK, fine. Out, he thought on the baseline. Then he

said, no, I made a mistake. Always the right thing to do. We will play

it again. I don't mind when somebody holds their hand up straightaway. It

was tough on Nishikori because he was in the driving seat after that

forehand. Three straight games for Andy Murray

who dumped his serve at the start of the set. He has broken twice since

then. The complexion of this has changed

completely in the last 16 or 17 minutes. Marie has found a way stop

Nishikori will look at that overhead and say, oh no. -- Murray has found.

After finding himself in a winning position from two sets down. Still,

a long way to go. 3-1 in the deciding set.

Oh yeah! Enough of that rally. You almost want to pull the plug out of

the wall. That's what the drop shot was about. I can't run one more

step. This is tough. This is where the big weapon, the serve comes

through. A couple of brief points. There you go.

There is beeping over there. Somebody brought their washing

machine. Oh my! This guy can hit the ball.

This is what took him to the Grand Slam final in the US Open. A win

over Djokovic in 2014. The first Asian man in a Grand Slam final. How

big a deal do think that was? Massive. On a par with Li Na and her

championship. If he's wrong here, he has only got

one game on the board here and he's going to be out of challenges. He is

way wrong. All sorts of things happen at this point in a match. For

hours and 22 minutes. Judgment goes, I cite affected. He is out of

challenges. -- eyesight. I bet he doesn't know it when he wants to

challenge next time. That's long. That is a magnificent

game from Kei Nishikori. The world number six. A future world number

one? It's not hard to imagine when you see him play like this. When

Djokovic and Murray are not around any more. You have got some good

ones around. None better than this man. The ebb and flow of this match

has been amazing. Murray has got in charge and then Nishikori plays one

of the best games he has in a while. His forehand was awesome. Murray

didn't serve badly in that game. It was all just stellar play from the

Japanese number one. A fascinating fifth set. No idea who is going to

win. I still fancy Murray to get through somehow. No tie-break in the

fifth. That is a big difference. This is the first year there are no

tie-breakers in the fifth set of the Davis Cup. Four breaks of serve

already in the set. 28 breaks in the match. That is the speed of the

court. Once again, I would love to have this every week. The players

wouldn't. As a spectator, how good does it get? These are career

shortening matches. They really take a toll. Indian Wells next week. Back

on serve, if it's worth the paper it is written on. In this fifth set.

Anticipation. Exceptional. New where this folly was going to go and talk

of early. Short backswing on the forehand and school down -- scooped

it down the line. Just gives you the extra boost to break. Now he will

certainly love it. Retrieving so well again, Murray. A

couple of big forehands. Putting the pressure on Nishikori who finally

misses. Nishikori made that shot look easier

than it was. Went against the direction and just hope it down the

line. So solid. At break point down. That is incredible! Murray was in

charge for the whole of that rally, to the extent that Nishikori had to

play a squash shot early on to get back in. Then he turned it around

and straightened it out. That was just exceptional tennis.

You're not going to find many better matches than this for the whole

year. I can guarantee Murray is absolutely boiling at this

point. 3-1 of, break points in this game.

If there is a fifth match the man in the middle is Taro Daniel, will he

play? He played on the first day against Murray, I don't think he

will play a fifth, I think the other guy will. It will be Dan Evans for

Great Britain if a fifth is required.

If a fifth is required. If a fifth is required.

Talk about leaning on it! That is so strong. Not interested in getting

involved in a long rally there. Staying with what you believe in.

And that is the reward. Great presence of mind as much as anything

else. Some success, some failure with that but on the big point it

has taken him home. Holds have been more difficult than breaks however.

4-2. Fifth set. Whoever is playing in this fifth

match has had to be ready, like an understudy in any sort of

performance you have to be ready to go on. Both of them will be

exhausted before they even take to the court for one of the bigger

matches of their life. If required. Unreal. Every time he is down a

break he seems to play his best game. It is almost as if the server

is the weakest shot you will see a rally. Such is the returning.

Highest part of the net, just cleared the top, but again,

fantastic backhand. What a point. This is just

remarkable. Somebody cried out one the shots. They did but it did not

put him off. Anything down the line here after the Murray approach would

have been good from Nishikori. Because Murray was not going to be

able to put the brakes on. Pretty controlled miskick. --

miskick. He generally strike a blow here. -- he can really.

Murray is complaining but I don't know what else he could have done in

this rally, he was on the back foot the whole time. I don't know what he

was expecting. That was just a brilliant point.

Sometimes I am watching these rallies and not believing what I am

seeing. How players can just one shot after the other hit these

extraordinary shots with pace, angles and they keep coming back one

after the other. And for the first time we have seen real signs of

frustration from Kei Nishikori. Head hanging down. Another chance for

Murray to put the first nail in the Coffin.

Not bad for four hours and 40 minutes of play. This is one of the

best matches I have ever seen to be honest and I have seen some great

matches. But this one is right up there.

Decent second serve as well. Saw the match player in the last two points

of that game. Saw the gambler as well.

Would not have seen that kind of second serve a couple of years ago.

Really went for it, 97 mph. Used to spend

Just goes to show it so hard to train for tennis, you might be out

there for an hour, you might be in accelerated rallies, or it might be

one of these. You have to train per board. It is not like football or

rugby were you know roughly how long it will last. And you have two peak

for the Grand Slams because those are five sets and then you throw in

the Davis Cup which are a different kind of fitness.

One more game is the refrain from the crowd.

One more game would take Great Britain home into a match with

Serbia, away, or Kazakhstan at home. That will be in July, after

Wimbledon. Was not much play with that short

net cord, lucky for Andy Murray. Couldn't get any pace from this, it

was to low. Then he's just a target. Four and three quarters hours they

have been hammering each other in this Davis Cup tie.

But now with Kei Nishikori serving at 15-40, Andy Murray with a chance

to win yet another Davis Cup tie for Great Britain.

Oh, challenge, as soon as he hit that return. Is that out? Has it

finished on a double fault? He certainly gave it a bit of height

over the net. Oh, he has hit the line! Good challenge. Worth a look.

Great second serve from Kei Nishikori. Match point still.

Oh! What a return of serve to start with from Murray. And then the

defence from Kei Nishikori, how he dug that one out and got Murray on

the run I have no idea. Once again Kei Nishikori with superb

technique and courage. Just got to hand it to Kei

Nishikori. Left Japan at the age of 14 to pursue his dream. Didn't speak

a word of English and went to the American camp and worked and worked.

A long way from home. These are the moments where you get your reward.

Wonderful game. He has brought so much. We have seen him play great

matches over time, over Djokovic in the US Open in 2014. He didn't play

so good a final against Cilic. But we have got to know the man over

these past four hours and 50 minutes, as well as you can without

chatting with him. I wouldn't mind if he just lost this next game. An

exceptional player. This is the moment. New balls. Andy Murray would

have loved that. Oh! No. Set that up the so well.

Should never have missed that volley. Oh, what a boost for Murray.

He will have assumed the point was gone, I think.

Well they just ground themselves into this playing surface haven't

they? Still he refuses. To go a way. To

give up. To capitulate. No chance. It's away! Andy Murray wins. The tie

goes to Great Britain. The hand shakes should reflect the contest. I

hope it does. Davis Cup, there really is nothing

like it. It is the best of our sport. The team aspect, always Andy

Murray quick to salute the efforts of others. But this is a very tired,

very grey, drawn looking tennis champion. The winner Andy Murray!

There is a lot of Brummies in this hall, and the one most relieved will

be Dan Evans, who won't be called upon to play a fifth and deciding

match. Kei Nishikori takes his bow and it is a sincere round of

applause and in fact an ovation for the efforts of the world No 6. The

first time Andy Murray has played a top ten player in Davis Cup. He has

never lost on home soil in a singles match. Kei Nishikori loses for the

first time since 2012 in this competition and you can see now why

he has that proud record. So the new dad, he thinks that is exhausting!

Well it sure is. But so are these Davis Cup five-setters. Brilliant to

see him back in defence of the Davis Cup. Whether he has got a full year

of efort in him will remain to be seen. It will be Serbia away next.

That is between the Olympics and Wimbledon. So it would be a big ask.

So let's get Andy Murray's thoughts now on what was a champion's

performance. Just shy of five hours. Brilliant. Well congratulations

Andy, that was quite an incredible tennis match, you both thrilled this

crowd and entertained them for nearly five hours. What got you

across the line? Well, the crowd helped for sure. Physically I was

struggling a bit at the end of the third set. You know a bit throughout

the fourth in the long rallies, he was pushing me far off the baseline

and itches I was trying to keep the points short. But I had to grit my

teeth and fight hard and managed to get the win. There is a relieved Dan

Evans there. I don't know if he is relieved or not. It would have been

a great chance for him to play a fifth match. But thankfully I

managed to get through and... APPLAUSE. I don't think we will be

playing a dead rubber today. I think everyone's probably seen enough

tennis. Go home and rest. It was such a physical match. It was a very

mental match, what pushed you through that pain barrier in the

fifth set? I don't know. I was a bit calmer in the fifth set, I was

getting frustrated and panicking a bit at the end of the third. I

didn't know how to play the points and I was getting down on myself. In

the fifth I wept back to what I was doing in the first set and getting

pumped up with a lot of positive energy and fight for every point and

that was enough. As you said, you clearly love playing this

competition and seems to bring out the best in you, what made you

commit to playing this Davis Cup for the rest of year and hoping to

defend the title. Last year's experience was incredible for

everyone on the team, every time I have played Davis Cup I have enjoyed

it. But this team has done something special last year I would like to

try and do the same again this year if we can. Next match will be

extremely tough. But you know if we all stick together and fight like we

have been in all the matches we have a chance. I guess lastly you must be

looking forward to getting back to the family and hopefully you have

made the best of some sleep here? Yes looking forward to getting back.

It is Kim's first mother's day so... Yeah, so nice to hopefully get to

see her this evening and get back to bath time and put her to sleep. Not

Kim... The baby! We will let you go. Have a great evening and well done

again. You're through to the next round. Andy Murray!

Well congratulations Leon, that was a terrific contest. Andy was made to

work hard, what do you think made the difference to getting over the

line? I'm lost for words at this stage. I mean, he is just a man of

steel isn't he? You have to pay a lot of credit to Kei. He played a

great match. One of the best matches of his life. You look at what Andy

manages to do, not just today, but another two matches over the

weekend, it is astonishing considering he has not played since

the Australian Open final. Massive credit to Andy. You had some

difficult moments, how did you try to lift his spirits? He does that.

Just try and help him and don't say something stupid and then set

something else off! But no, he is amazing. It is a privilege to sit in

there with him for a match like that. We will remember that for a

long time and thank you to each and every one of you guys for brilliant

support. And a great start to the defence of this cup, how do you

reflect on the weekend as a whole? Well, obviously it is great to get

back together and what we achieved in Ghent last year. It was great to

get home and play in front of you guys and I think it was a tough

match. We said at the start Japan would be difficult and they have

improved a lot and in Kei they have one of the world's best players. But

we have such a great team in Andy and Jamie and the rest and they

fight for everything and they have great team spirit and we carry on.

You're through to the quarter-finals, well done and a

fantastic weekend. Leon Smith ladies and gentlemen. Thank you very much.

That is one very relieved captain. His man has pulled through, Andy

Murray, and looking at the pictures, you can see he has given every inch

of energy. He looked down and out in that fifth set. But he found a way

to win and paying tribute to the fans who played their part. What an

amazing atmosphere it has been here and the Barclay arena here in

Birmingham. But Andy Murray, what can you say about him? What a great

fighter and what a great match player. There was some brutal

rallies testing mind and body on both sides. It was a hard-fought

battle. But he won and Andy Murray has put Great Britain through to the

quarter-finals in July and surely that is his finest Davis Cup victory

ever. We talk about Andy Murray's unbeaten, still unbeaten through

last year and this year, but he says it is a team effort and all play

their part in getting the team together and keeping them fit and

healthy. But Andy Murray, what a delight and Jamie Murray playing his

part in the doubles and I'm sure the most relieved person on the court is

Dan Evans, who now does haven't to play that fifth and final rubber.

That would have been a very nervous testing time. But what a great

champion Andy Murray is. John Lloyd is here, talking about finding a way

to win, you go a break down in the fifth and it is more about, well, I

is physical, but it is more about the mind and keeping yourself

positive. That is not easy. No and that five week break and to come

into a match against a guy like Kei Nishikori who is so good and kept

pushing him and at times he looked exhausted. But he pulls back and he

has got that will powtories win. It -- will power to win. It says

something about the Davis Cup. What does he do in that fifth set, you

have to lift yourself, he looked physically spent. Kei Nishikori

didn't look like he was even breathing hard, although we know he

was feeling it. It is finding the ability to lift yourself one last

time. The champions have such a will to win that they refuse, I remember

talking when I was married to Chris Evert. She said the thing I hate

most is when I have to shake hands with somebody who has beaten me.

That is what drove her on. It is a weird sense and so for Andy and

these champions, they don't want to lose so badly, they will fight until

there is not one breath of air left. Some of fans and it is lovely to see

so many kids, but what entertainment they have had. There is something

special about the Davis Cup. There is nothing like it and the players

know when they come out here, yes at tournaments they get great support

and Andy Murray is loved every where, but