Quarter-Finals: France v GB Davis Cup

SUE BARKER: Good afternoon. This weekend, we are rendered this Doric

town of Rouen, built on the banks of the River Seine, 80 miles west of

Paris. Rouen played an important part in the history of France, and

today, the medieval quarter has been lovingly restored. It boasts many

picturesque landmarks but is dominated by this imposing

cathedral, the tallest in France. It is also a town passionate about

tennis, which is why the French Federation has brought this Davis

Cup quarterfinal tie here, and so far, it looks to be paying. Today,

the doubles match, featuring four experienced players. For Britain's

Jamie Murray and Dom Inglot, this is a must win match to avoid a crushing

defeat by France. Following the two singles matches the yesterday, when

Lucas Pouille and Jeremy Chardy both had straight sets wins. That could

be a decisive break for France in this opening set. Fine, fine

margins. Now, the opportunity with Jeremy Chardy to make a 2# zero --

82- lead. -- a 2-0 lead. So, France are 2-0 up, and a win

today would put them through to the semifinal, but what a different tie

it might have been at Kyle Edmund had been able to take the second set

high -- tie-break. Jamie Murray and Dom Inglot are up against Nicolas

Mahut and Julien Benneteau. The match has just got underway. Jamie

Murray has just held serve, so Great Britain lead 1-0. Let's join the

commentators. COMMENTATOR: A good first opening service game from

Jamie Murray, holding to 15. This is going to be a difficult match. Jamie

Murray and Dom Inglot have got some Davis Cup wins behind them. But they

are facing two players who know each other so well. Not regular

team-mates on the tour now, but they worked for many years. -- but they

were for many years. That is Julien Benneteau with the

smash. He is 35, and in fact, both of these players are 35. They first

played doubles together when they were teamed up by the French

Federation at the age of 11, so we're talking about 18 here who have

been playing together for almost a quarter of a century. -- we are

talking about a team. They play together throughout their

teenage years. In 1999, while junior doubles number one. They won the

1999 junior doubles title together. And here we are, in 2017, and they

are representing their nation once more in the Davis Cup.

Recently, Nicolas Mahut enjoyed a rise to the top of the game. Herbert

isn't involved this weekend. Nicolas Mahut, on the left, with his

former partner, Julien Benneteau, who reached the Wimbledon final

himself. John Lloyd, this is a really tough test for Great Britain

again. Retail, then you've got this surface in the next, the red clay,

where the French team are some at home. It is a very tough match up

for the British team. That is a nice volley from Dominic

Inglot. There was a look there on that

serve, and Yannick Noah looked round like, really? Was that a second

serve? Dom Inglot has such confidence in that delivery, he will

serve an occasional 44 because he takes chances, but he has a lot of

confidence. In a match against Canada, he was the best player on

the court. For me, he arrived then as a Davis Cup player and felt like

he had been in the team on a number of occasions. That was a big match

for him because he came through so well, and he seems to have improved

since then. When Andy Murray is in the team, he will invariably partner

his brother in doubles, and there is no place for Dominic Inglot. When

called upon, he gets the results, as you say. Canada this year, Serbia

last year. Defeat to America. That's no disgrace, because they were

playing the Brown Brothers. It is an interesting time for Dom Inglot on

the ATP Tour. He played with 15 different partners last season,

really needs to settle down. And just when he thought he was settling

down this season, he tells me they are going their separate ways again.

He is going to team up with Robin Haase and from the Netherlands. They

made the final in Marseille. In the final, who did they play?

Benneteau and Mahut. All these players know each other's games

inside out, really. Very familiar on the tour.

A good pick-up there from Jamie Murray. Well read.

This is a match that Britain have to win.

More of the same here inside the Rouen sports Palace. If you were not

with our coverage yesterday, it's not easy. It has plenty of these

acknowledgements all around here - big base drums, trombones, trumpets.

Everyone has a coloured shirt or a flag, by the look of things.

That's the Davis Cup, really. Only 5000, but it feels like a lot more.

That was good serving there from Jamie Murray. He is the slowest

server in terms of pace of the format, but if you can be that

accurate, a high percentage of first serves in, then he will be OK. But

you have to be very accurate on this clay-court. If you don't have the

big power, you have to get the ball close to the lines or into the body

really well. Doesn't want to see too many second serves today if he can

avoid it. I wonder if Jamie Murray remembers,

but his mother has been reminding us that he and Andy played their first

international tournament here in Rouen when they were nine and ten,

back in 1996. I was digging a bit more into this tournament, which the

Yannick Noah foundation was involved in supporting. It is played in

sports halls and satellite clubs around the city over a few days, and

Andy Murray played Gael Monfils in the semifinals. It was three really

tight sets, but Monfils won. He played Jamie Murray in the final,

and Jamie absolutely whacked him. It was a comfortable win. According to

Judy, the journey home from Rouen the Scotland was full of Andy saying

he had soft and Monfils up for his brother! At that time, Jamie,

Gasquet and Monfils were the three top players in their age group. It

has been a decent start from Jamie Murray. Now, Nicolas Mahut.

The players will be hoping for a few seconds serves to have a go at. All

four players are just not missing, and they are not getting a chance to

have a go at any balls at the moment.

Dom Inglot move just a fraction too soon there. You have to time that so

precisely when you cross. You can see, he goes here and just goes a

fraction early, just gives enough time bomb Mahut to guide that ball

down the line. Second serve. Unfortunately, they

are 40-0 down already, the British. The best of five sets in the Davis

Cup. The fourth time in a row that the Brits have made it to the

quarterfinals. Fine performances from Lucas Pouille in Jeremy Chardy

yesterday. -- and Jeremy Chardy. Good hands there from Dom Inglot. He

just crushes that serve. His second serve is as hard as his first,

almost. A good standard so far. I know it's

early days, but all four players looked very sharp at the moment. A

foot fault? Yes. He doesn't do that very often.

In the old days, they didn't have all the referees and umpires coming

from different countries, so the foot fault was a favourite thing to

do in an away match. What a shot! You ended up having to

serve about two feet behind the baseline on the server so they could

not foot fault you. -- on the serve. What a return! Benneteau steps in

here, rotates the shoulders, turns. I mean, what an amazing shot! Look

at the way he gets out of the way of the ball. That was an Andre Agassi

line, wasn't in the? He was expecting it higher, wasn't he? I

think so. -- wasn't he? Oh! It is 208 kilometres per hour,

but right in the corner. This is good quality doubles, very

entertaining so far. No deuce points, let alone break points. I'm

glad it didn't hit Jamie Murray on the head at that speed. You're

right, for me, men's doubles, this is the best surface to watch it on.

On grass under faster courts, you tend to get a lot of service games

with not too much happening, but on clay, a lot more returning, variety

and technical awareness, because the ball is more in play. I think it is

a great surface for men's doubles. It has been a beautiful day here in

Normandy, as hopefully it has been wherever you are. We have been

lapping up the sunshine in the various streetside cafes, cobbled

put-mac cobblestoned streets. People have made their way along the river

Seine on the way here. Just in. A bit fortunate there. At

the moment, Jamie Murray, on that service return, he is getting jammed

a lot on the serve. They are focusing a lot on body serves to

Jamie Murray, and he hasn't quite got out of the way of the ball

enough yet to hit that two-handed backhand the way he wants to.

We haven't seen any of Jamie Murray's trademark lobs.

Well, that, just missing... Did he listen to me there? But he missed

it. He built it up and he missed it. Down the forehand side as well. In

fact, probably more from the forehand going into the backhand

corner. France will know all about that.

Another illustration of how close players are on top of the net. You

can see Dom Inglot, he is almost leaning over the net when he hit

that ball. They have the option with Benneteau

of sliding it out wide. And then kicking it out wide to

Mahut. He's only dropped one point on his serve so far, Jamie Murray.

So, nine games with serve, no sign of a deuce still. Now, it will be

Nicolas Mahut to serve to stay in the first set. It has been confident

from Jamie Murray. What a year it was for him last year. He partnered

with Bruno Soares, won the Australian Open, the US Open as

well. There is Judy Murray, in the crowd, supporting her son. And world

number one. Meaning that both brothers were world number one at

the same time in November of last year. Obviously, the first time that

has ever happened, a doubles and a singles world number one from the

same family. Incredible. Jamie, I must say, when his partnership ended

with, I forgotten his name, the Australian, I thought at the start

that this could be a mistake, given they got to the final of a slam and

everything else. They did their homework about Bruno Soares and

thought the combination would be the perfect mix, and they were

absolutely right. And it has been a tremendous partnership so far. Two

finals in 2016. Exactly, and then to change round.

Foul shot? Over the net. He's saying his racket was over... We might be

able to see from this angle. Definitely not touching the net, is

it? That's a judgment call. Dom Inglot's racket was over the net

as he hit the ball before waiting for the ball to come across the net

before he could play that. The umpire, really experienced

official, one of the best in the world.

Such good movement of air, and feel on that ball from Mahut. The way he

slides into that ball. Jamie Murray leaving the overhead

for Dom Inglot after what was a terrific first serve, had to seek

how that happened after that first serve. -- see how that happened.

30-0 to 30-30. The second time on the British team's first serve in

this set. Just long, just long. Well played,

Inglot. Excellent second serve there and excellent volley. A crucial

point, too. Played it very well. Benneteau wants the umpire to come

down and have a look at the mark here and it is overruled, so it will

be a second serve. Very important for Britain, Dom

Inglot winning second serve points in that game. You feel this match

could be won or lost on the percentage of second serve points

won. Yes. Good quality match. You know, at

this level, players are used to playing in this tough conditions.

But you have to remember, in the doubles, for the rest of the year,

other than Wimbledon, the Norma, regular tournaments they play no

Inglot and tie breaker for the third set. For them to come out for these

Davis Cup matches where they potentially have to play four hours,

it's a different focus, a different concentration. It's not so easy.

Doubles players these days are used to quickfire, match all over in an

hour. They come here and it could be four hours. As I say, different

focus, different concentration level. The president of the French

tennis Association. There he is, playing cheerleader. He's on the ITF

board of directors, as well. It's Julian Benneteau here, the

35-year-old, to serve and stay in the set for France. 5-6 in the first

set. It's close! Really close. And

Dominic Inglot wants the umpire to take a look here. No... The wrong

line. There we go! It's that one. The accuracy of serving from the

French team so far has been so good that, especially Jamie Murray,

they're not giving him the same look. Always changing it up. Into

the body, kicking it down the middle, swerving it wide.

That's the time to do a double fault, if you're going to do one.

Oooh. Two double points out of three points, from 40-0 up. That means we

have the first deuce of the match. With France serving to stay on the

set. Britain two points away, if they can keep this run of points

going. A tight second serve, sort of in the middle of the net, just

pulled down completely on it. Awkward return, and it's set from

nowhere. Yes! Murray down the line. Knew it

the moment he'd struck that backhand.

Suddenly lost his rhythm on his first serve, with two double faults,

and to go for that speed on the second serve set point against...

Very brave serve. Dan Evans in the role of cheerleader number one, it

seems, today, on the British bench. Phenomenal return from Murray. That

was 213 kilometres per hour, down the middle.

On this stretch, to get that back in play and forth and are. He did very

well there, but Benneteau, easy mid-court forehand, just pulled off

the ball. He is so tight in this game. Third set point.

Went the wrong way! Big chance. Such a good return, as well. It looked to

me like he changed his mind here. Ball comes here and he's thinking,

do I go down the line? I think he just changed his mind. That was a

big ball to miss. A long time ago in this game France

had 40-0, three game points then. They've been through quite a bit

since then, saving set point, four deuces.

Finally, Benneteau gets it done. Inglot not so sure on the serve.

Just clipping the edge of the side line.

That was a very, very important hold, obviously, serving to stay in

the set. To get it done three break points down, into a tie-break we go.

Considering the set of tennis we've seen, 48 minutes of play, probably

the rightful way to decide things. A punchy return from Dominic Inglot.

First strike, Britain. A dangerous player to serve against, Dom Inglot.

Not very often where he hits a chip return or just want to get it back,

goes for it every time. When he sees in the middle of the strings, it

comes off his racket extremely fast. What a half-volley that was. From

Inglot. What a return. Just got that racket out in front, didn't lift up

his head, stayed calm on it. Excellent recovery. Willing it over

the line, wasn't he? He knew if it was going in it would be the most

awkward position to play a backhand from.

4-3, point against the serve and two Jamie Murray service points to come.

Just snatched at that volley. An excellent backhand volley there from

Jamie Murray, as well. Just see this one here, just kept it nice and

deep. Dom Inglot, can't miss that volley from that position... Just

pulling the racket head down, snatching at the ball.

Second point against the Jamie Murray serve in the whole match so

far. You win as a team and lose as a team

in doubles, that's the thing that stuck in a absolutely. You could see

the Inglot miss, the disappointment on Murray's face. Have to shut them

out and move on. Mahut to serve. Just as Lucas Pouille turned the

tie-break round against Great Britain's Kyle Edmund yesterday,

from 5-2. Hear from 4-1 down, France have turned this into their

advantage. 6-5. They have a set point of their own. It's on the

Inglot serve, though. Julian Benneteau to receive.

It's just wide! They thought it was in. Very late call, in fact the

umpire, I think, got there before the line judge had considered his

options. But definitely wide. 6-6 it is. Fantastic stuff, isn't it? Where

ever you are watching this, I know there is a blot on this sporting

weekend, but this is great. Davis Cup quarterfinal action, indoors in

Rouen, the capital of Normandy in the northern France region. Four

world-class players battling it out here. We don't even know who's going

to win the first set, let alone the match.

The deputy president of the Lawn Tennis Association on his feet. Also

on the International tennis board of directors.

Very good jamming serve Andy Murray -- Jamie Murray.

Can't give Murray enough room to get a full swing on that ground stroke.

Benneteau turned it round. He thought he was in trouble with those

double faults in the 12th game, but he's turned it on in the tie-break.

It's now seven sets out of seven this weekend for a dominant French

team, and Nicolas Mahut and Julien Benneteau start this doubles rubber

as they mean to go on. That really was a high quality set

of tennis from both teams but being caught side I found something

interesting. About halfway through that sets you will notice the French

team decided to play both players at the back of the port when they are

returning serve. At about 3-3 in the first set eyes on Nicolas Mahut,

bearing mind he is the number one doubles player in the world, looked

over at his bench, asking them if he should stay back or stay at the net.

What does that as? Probably that they're not quite sure of the

correct strategy to go about this match. Also, think of it, that

really doesn't happen in a regular tour match. Normally you are out

there by yourself. Think of that from the Davis Cup point of view. So

many more people, looking over to Yannick Noah just for some

reassurance, what are the right tactics to go about this? He ended

up, Julien Benneteau with a little wobble at the end but got through

it. A lot of tennis to be played still and hopefully the British team

can bounce back and put up a fight going forwards.

Jamie Murray served so well in that first set. It must be demoralising

to be on the wrong side of it. The best of five sets, a long way to go.

There is the really experienced French coach, talking to the team

captain, Yannick Noah. He has coached pretty much everyone in

France, hasn't he? Men and women, yes. I think Jamie Murray, actually,

was the best player on the court, even though the British team lost

that set. For me, he was the best player. Dom Inglot had some very

good shots, but unfortunately, a couple of crucial balls missed. The

British doubles coach is just behind, walking off to the right. He

has been working in British tennis for a long time now, and he is a

real doubles specialist coach, isn't he? He has been watching the match

from the presidential area, behind the court, rather than at the side,

where the coaches would normally watch from, just to get a different

perspective. When you are sitting on the bench, when you are the captain,

the coach, or the players, it is the worst view, and very difficult to

get a feel for the match from that angle. Behind the court is the best

place to be, and you can spot things that you can't from the side of the

coach. When they come to the baseline, he can give them a little

chat while they are serving as well, so it is a double winner.

So, France to serve first. Nicolas Mahut, 38 weeks at world number one,

in his first week away from the top spot since before Wimbledon.

It is a player from Finland who has taken over that spot this week.

This is only Nicolas Mahut's sixth Davis Cup tie at the age of 35. It

was his debut only two years ago. France have had an embarrassment of

riches in the singles game. Gasquet, Simon. You could name a team of

singles players and then team them up in the doubles in any

combination. Almost regard and of who they field,

you know it will be a good team. Larger and Benneteau played together

more than any other nomination. -- Llodra.

Oh! Nice move! You have to react. Not sure what you would call that

shot, really. Lucky? He has got such quick hands at the

net on the volley. Lucky to a certain extent, and he apologised

there, but you still have to have skill to carry that out. How many of

those volleys that they practice with balls hit at him at 100 mph

when he's standing right on top of the net, he has to reflex the ball

back or get hit. They have opened the gates to the concourse one game

early, and there are lots of spectators milling around. Everyone

back in their seats in time to see that excellent backhand return from

Jamie Murray. A couple of those now. She looks a bit nervous, doesn't

she? It doesn't get any easier for her, watching her boys.

Tactically, they seem well set up by Leon Smith and the team, don't they?

Just a few adventurous moments, a couple of volleys from England that

he will not want to see again. Apart from that, is there anything else

that Great Britain could do? Not really. With Dom Inglot, you get

what you get on the court with him. He goes for balls all the time. You

have to hope, and he can do these periods where he gets some good

returns in a row. At the moment, he is a little bit iffy - one good shot

and then hasn't made any plays. Jamie Murray, on the other hand, has

been more consistent, the better of the two players. Dom Inglot,

unfortunately, in this type of class match, it comes down to one or two

points, and a big point was the set point where he had the backhand

ground stroke. Do we blame all of it on him for that? Know. But that was

the difference in that set. It is so touch and go. It is a long way

before the end of this match. -- do we blame all of it on him for that?

No. I think the French team will be

concentrating their main attack when they are on the baseline, and when

they get a second job, they will go against Inglot much more than Jamie

Murray up at the net. I'm trying to think if Jamie Murray

has missed a volley yet. I can't remember one that he has missed.

This second set could be just as tight as the first. There is

Pierre-Hugues Herbert to the left of the camera, with Lucas Pouille.

Jamie Murray made the wrong call here. The French team weren't close

enough to the net to hit the lob, and he knew that, it was the wrong

shot selection. What an opportunity it is for these

two men, Benneteau and Mahut, to wrap up this type of France. It is

unusual for a doubles pair to be the team that get any nation over the

line. That is what France can do. This comes so many years after they

first played together. They were never paired up by the French

federation. They first played together professionally in an ITF

event in 1999. They have played regularly together in the 2000

series as teenagers. Still 15 years ago. And on the ATP Tour the

following year, they met, so they know each other so well, back to

front. Inside out. And teamed up again this year to win the title in

Marseille, their first as a pair since 2009, is what a great story it

would be if they could lead France to victory. -- so what a great

story. They have got all the support they need.

Did well there. I thought for a moment he had misjudged it and it

was going to be too low for him. He thumped that away.

That was an excellent volley there from Inglot. Big point as well.

Benneteau has certainly got his serve together since that

troublesome game at the end of the first set. He has now dropped just

one point on serve in the second set. And on we go, going with serve.

A semifinal place for the winners this weekend here in Rouen. The

winners of this will play the winners of the Serbia- Spain tie.

Events overnight in Brisbane, whether USA got back into it against

Australia. Australia were 2-0 after the first day, but the USA won the

doubles in five sets, coming from behind, Steve Johnson and Jack Sock.

That was a fantastic effort from them. Thrills and spills in store on

the final day out there. Belgium- Italy is the other quarterfinal.

It was a great attempt by Benneteau, not missed by much. That match. --

that much. Jamie Murray has served very

impressively today, looked very confident.

How has he missed that? On top of the net... I don't mean to juggle,

but it is nice sometimes to see the professionals do this sort of stuff

that we do, week in, week out. What is that we there? Sorry, John!

Benneteau was going to get into the trouble he did on serve in the first

set when he was 40-0 up. Here is Mahut from 40-0. A terrible mess at

the net. A double fault. -- miss. Pressure on Dominic Inglot, who is

up to serve next, serving to stay in the set. Surely an absolute must win

set from a British point of view. Yeah. They start them young, as they

always do, here in France. Just talking about Jamie Murray

being very solid today, and he has played an excellent match. On the

opposite side, Nicolas Mahut has been the more solid. His standard

very rarely drops. He is always there, and very consistent, does

things very simply, not a flashy player. Not as much flair as some of

the French players, but the bread and butter shots he just makes -

serve and volley, returns. Just a good, solid player. Benneteau, we

have seen patches of brilliance, as we have seen from Dominic Inglot,

but also a couple of moments where his game has dipped. You have to

keep the level and back the other player up in doubles.

Very good return from Jamie Murray. Followed up by Inglot.

What a time it would be for Britain to break serve here.

That's brilliant from Murray. That second volley is right in the

corner. He's been superb today. He really has. Unorthodox, that

forehand volley. But it's very effective! How do you do that?

Different call from Benneteau. Deuce in the game. Played so well

yesterday, getting France off to the best possible start. Now things are

getting a little twitchy again for the locals.

And again, it's Jamie Murray stepping up. It's break Britain. --

break point for Britain. 40-15 in the game...

Never nice knowing that you've let your partner down at times during a

match, and that's how Dominic Inglot will have felt in periods of this.

But look at this. That is the way to erase those memories. Absolutely

right. First break of the match. What a superb 1-2-macro combination

from Inglot. So good. You are right for me needed that. Doubles,

obviously, you help your partner. The level drops... He didn't play

bad in the first set, Dom Inglot, but on a couple of crucial points he

made errors. He knew it, but boy did he repay the favour there. What a

point. The job's not quite done yet, though. The French pair will come at

the British team here on this service game.

Only four points dropped in total on the Murray serve in the match and

we've played for an hour and 37 minutes. Briton serving for the set.

-- Great Britain serving for the set.

That serve sat a bit, didn't really go through the court.

Sounded like Yannick Noah was telling Mahut to chip this ball, the

return of serve. That's what it looks like, don't know if that's

what you were saying... We will see. -- he was saying.

Not easy this, either, buying and -- banged heavily, at full stretch.

Again, look at the serve from Murray.

Just needed the one of them. First set of the weekend. For Leon Smith's

men. Jamie Murray has been absolutely superb, and just when he

needed his partner to step up at the end of the set, Dom Inglot raised

his game. Britain deserve to be level. A fine match. One hour and 40

minutes played. And we are level at 1-1. It is best of five, of course,

did decide this rubber, which Britain have to win to stay in the

tie. It's a huge challenge from here, to win this with the reverse

singles to come. Dan Evans and Kyle Edmund tomorrow. Evans, being the

number one player, will be up against Lucas Pouille first

tomorrow, if the tie is still alive. Well, you have to make Lucas Pouille

a strong favourite for that one on the evidence of what we saw

yesterday. But that's for another day. For now, Britain just want to

keep it going into the Sunday. Inglot and Murray are doing their

thing, John. They're doing well. They hung in there after losing the

first set, disappointing. It was touch and go, it could have swung

their way. The second set, they did well. That belief. Dom Inglot came

through with the shot of the match with that top-spin forehand lob, to

get the break. Jamie Murray, who has been absolutely superb on his

service game so far, served it out with ease. Very good performance by

the British pair. They are combining well now. They seem to have their

confidence back. Jamie Murray has been rock solid the whole match.

He's been the best player on the court.

But the French team, Julien Benneteau, he's been the weak link.

He's been the one who's tended to get a little nervous on big points.

Mahut has been, like Jamie Murray, solid throughout, but hasn't quite

been able to lift his partner yet. You often see Gasquet leaning in,

supporting his team-mates, get them going. To get them to win the match

and finished the tie. Although these Frenchmen have

excellent memories of Wimbledon. Nicolas Mahut having a swig, the

reigning Wimbledon doubles champion with Herbert. There is Richard

Gasquet. That is coincidental, Gasquet partnered Julien Benneteau

to bronze in the London 2012 Olympics. Which may sound like,

what's the point in that? I was on Court One and I don't think I saw

another celebration like I did when Julien Benneteau won the bronze

medal that day. He was absolutely delirious.

They'd beaten the Spanish pair, effectively the third and fourth. It

was a brilliant crowd on Court One, and when they converted match point,

Benneteau went wild. He started running around the court. Gasquet

was looking at him as if to say, hey, mate, it's not that good! The

point was, to Benneteau it was that good. Yes. And to him, that moment

with everything, winning an Olympic medal.

The return from Jamie Murray we were talking about in the first set to

deduct a really effective player, blocking that forehand lob into the

backhand corner. Misjudging it on that occasion.

Oooh! Did you see that?! How did he do that? We need another look at

this, folks. This is a classic. Still trying to work out which side

of the racket he hit that wed. Where on earth the wrist was positioned.

-- he hit that with. Very animated with Benneteau. As he

came to the changeover was like, that's what you can do, come on. He

knows he's the one that's just been struggling a little bit. It's all

encouragement, though, it's all positive.

Excellent yesterday, beating Dan Evans, Jeremy Chardy. Would play the

fifth and final rubber, if it came to it.

A lot of chat on both benches and that particular changeover. -- in

that particular change over. Murray to serve.

On the line from Benneteau... No, Inglot's not so sure.

No, that was a good 1-2 from the French. The stretch from Mahut to

get it back in court and then the Benneteau shot, just to get their

team... At 15-30, a little opening here.

Oooh, a miss from Inglot, which leaves Great Britain break point

down. 15-40. Two chances now for France.

First break points that Britain have faced in the whole match. The set

they lost was on a tie-break. A couple of those, Benneteau, those

stretch backhand returns. He will be annoyed at himself there,

Mahut. In that Riley, should not have missed that forehand. -- in

that rally. The first of those two rallies,

Inglot... Got him in trouble for the second one. We'll do well to get

through this game. Jamie Murray has just lost his bid on his first serve

little bit. Holding down, dipping and missing a few at the net. Needs

to stay up on the ball, hit up on the ball.

And they do get through the game, from 15-40 down.

It's going to be tense from here on in, isn't it? The deeper we go into

the match, the more chances will come for both sides.

There we go, that's the play we've been talking about from Jamie

Murray, and it works. It's really effective. Not many players have

that shot in the doubles game, that fast lob, offensive lob. Players

stand so close to the net but they feel confident they will get those

overheads, so they are prepared to stay up close and tight on the net

and occasionally it can work. Jamie Murray, he's worked so hard on

his doubles. He's managed to sort of camouflage his weaknesses. The

forehand return, he's turned it into a different type of return.

Unlucky. That's why was saying, with that forehand, Block set, but he

makes a lot of returns. Not an easy shot to hit, the volleys, rolling

the backhand. Sometimes he will lob of the forehand side. Doesn't really

come over the ball on his forehand, doesn't really have that shot, that

his weakness. Just missed a couple of those. It's

been quite effective on the first return of serve, Dom Inglot but it's

the second shot where he has missed quite a few of those backhands from

mid-court areas. 30-30, should have made that, that was a big point.

The first of there, keeps his hands up on the second one, keeps them up

in front. You can see right away, the racket is up high. No backswing

whatsoever on that volley. No time for a backswing.

Well, that's just scintillating stuff there from Mahut. Excellent

return of serve. It's that punch forehand ground stroke, just plunges

ahead. Excellent volley. He doesn't seem to be getting into the net as

quick as normal, Mahut. He is behind the service line, which is not a

place where you want to be on the volley.

It went off the body of Benneteau rather than the racket, didn't it?

But he didn't say anything. It deflects. The I think you try to

keep that quiet. Look, look. It almost knocked him over, though!

That is what gave it away! Is quite nice chest control.

That is a good call. That is a good call! Mahut there was about to

swing, then, are you sure? And left it. Good call.

Oh, yes! What a point! How on earth did they win that rally? This is

turning out to be the best game of the match, with the shotmaking

that's gone on here. No thought of winning that rally from that shot.

Lob volley. No suspicion that shot was going to go where it did, hence

the speed of the backtracking. Deuce again.

What a lob! Let's not forget that this comes at the part of the game

were Jamie Murray saved two break points. They have a chance of their

own on the Mahut serve. Mahut, who has been dominant throughout. Now,

break point down. There it is! The skills on display

from a British point of view in that game. Well might Judy Murray be

smiling, because her son Jamie and Dom Inglot have the break in the

third set and lead 3-2. Let's have another look, John, at that

extraordinary shot from Jamie Murray two games ago, which feels like a

long time ago. When you see it from that angle... Outstanding, isn't it?

He flicks the racket back. How he won that point from there I do not

know. So, 3-2. The games are getting

closer, tighter. That last game is what you want when you play as a

double thing when you buy play at your best in one game, and that is

what Jamie Murray and Dom Inglot bid to make the break. They were both

superb at the same time. A well-deserved break, excellent

shotmaking from both players. The French team are up against it now.

Excellent, excellent play now. This is why having a personality like him

is good in a situation like this. He's not going to go into his shell,

however he might be playing. He is still going to want to be a

personality on the court. That's right. He has that in his favour.

Starting with that wonderful lob to get the break in the second set.

Well, that's just... That's just a bit of a mess. And sometimes it

happens. It does! You can do all the clever science behind your back all

day long, but sometimes, you just chase the same ball. Get out of the

way! It's mine! A phenomenal return from Benneteau.

They haven't broken yet, and they may not, but this is the best

returning game they have played in the whole match, and after they have

had the disappointment of losing their serve. Putting the pressure

right back on the British team. Dom Inglot needs some big serves now to

get himself out of trouble. There is one.

Three big first serves in a row from 15-40.

That's just superb play. A lot of credit there for both the British

birds, but especially from Dom Inglot. Big first serves, right in

the corner. Jamie Murray really just carrying on

the form here. This is perhaps the first time you've seen him this

season. Last year, he rose to number one in the world along with his

younger brother. It looks like his form will continue. There is the

scope are a lot of success with his partner, Bruno Soares. Wimbledon, of

course, would be a dream for Jamie to win that. He won the mixed

doubles a decade ago now. The men's doubles title would be lovely. Judy

has brought some supplies! Walking through the old town of

Rouen earlier, pastry temptations on every corner. Unbelievable. The

cheese board as well. Extensive is not the word. Right, back to the

tennis. Tummies are rumbling. It is for - three. Murray to serve.

That was a tough volley to make. That was an excellent return of

serve from Mahut, taking that volley so early.

So good. That is so good. Inglot there being put under tremendous

pressure. They are targeting him here with the volleys. To put that

ball that wide from that position, then following up... He made the

overhead look easy, and it wasn't. That was a big point.

You can almost see Inglot knowing that that second serve return is

coming right at him, but it is so low that it is difficult for him to

do very much with it. That is the third British service game in a row

in which they have faced break points, and they have survived in

the previous two. They survive for now in this one. Five break points

now saved in the set by Britain. Dan Evans to the right, and young

Cameron Norrie to the left. Studying out in the states on a scholarship,

in Texas. The adjustment from Murray there at

the last minute. Mahut just keeps dumping that return down the line,

no matter what they do. He is just blasting it down there, and at the

moment, he is seeing the ball so well and so early.

Oh! Takes it from right in front of Jamie Murray's knows. -- right in

front of Jamie Murray's knows. Just about to dispatch that.

Was that focus? I think so. The smart money is on focus. For- four.

That is the first time that Britain have lost their serve in the whole

match. A really decent effort from them so far.

That would probably have been an easy shop it -- shot if he hadn't

turned round. Well-stocked! You take evasive action, because if that had

been a full-blooded smash from Benneteau... Actually, it came off

the frame and just trickled over towards him.

That is a lovely volley. He has got such good technique, Mahut, on that

volley, particularly with the backhand. It is almost like he has

an extra second to decide what to do. He is so far out in front on the

volley, waited for Dom Inglot to make the move, and has enough class

just the guide it back into the open court.

That skidded through. Nothing like a love service hold after you broken

for the first time in the match. And there is a renewed spring in the

French step. 5-4 in this third set. A big momentum change now. And the

two camps, Leon Smith has got the more difficult job at this

changeover than Yannick Noah of France. They have hit some heights

in the last couple of games. Particularly Mahut seems to be on

fire at the moment. Whereas Leon Smith has to calm it down a bit.

There were a couple of miscommunication volleys in the

British team. Both got a little agitated. He has to calm them down

now. Back on serve, no big deal. Tie-break looming in this match.

Jamie Murray tends to be the leader in these teams. It looks like he is

all encouragement, every words just encouragement to his partner. Not

even one negative thought, nothing about what they might do, just do

it. For- two in the set. Dom Inglot serving to stay in it.

Outstanding second serve there from Inglot. Comes up so high on this

clay-court, jumps up high. Puts a lot of work on the ball.

Hello! Didn't think he had that shot. You would expect Jamie Murray

to hit that shot, not Dom Inglot. Beautifully played, you can't get

better feel than that. What a game that was. Rebound after the

disappointment, come back and play a love service game. Just no big deal.

That was absolutely what the doctor ordered for the British team.

The British medical and physiotherapy staff there.

He always seems to get easy leads on his serve, Benneteau.

That is unbelievable from Benneteau. This would be probably the best

volley we have seen today. That was unbelievable. Jamie Murray, all over

the net there and I had to be perfect to get it away from him.

This is some doubles. After that flurry of games with

break points midway through the set, are we heading towards another

tie-break? There will be pressure on Jamie Murray to come out and serve

to stay in this set. He has faced break points in both of his service

games so far. It is a terrific match, John, isn't

it? Get further emphasises why whatever happens in the future of

the Davis Cup, this middle Saturday, double stay, has to remain best of

five. Absolutely. Don't tinker with Saturday! We put that in the book 's

an do not mess around with that day in Davis Cup. -- we put that in the

book -. Here is the brass section, who have not stopped all weekend. It

has generated a fantastic atmosphere. There is a lot of talk

about the Davis Cup and how the competition perhaps needs to change

to attract the best players in the world for every type, but when you

are here, in amongst it, you cannot deny that it's a fantastic event. --

for every tie. At the moment, does it really matter

to the spectators that Andy Murray, Gael Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

are not out there? What they are seen, particularly from Nicholas

Mahut, on the return... He's getting every ball down the line on return.

He just doesn't seem to be going crosscourt. I was thinking before

this game it would be wise for Jamie Murray to serve a few to the

forehand because his backhand has been so good, then he did serve it

to his forehand and he thumped a winner down the line.

That's a close call. Close, but it doesn't look like they are going to

dispute it at all. It went like that might write on the line. At this

stage on the match, you might have a little look down there. Jamie

Murray's had 15-30 at this point in every game.

Come of it! That is magnificent. I thought Jamie Murray had rescued at

that point somehow. From this position... And then... Really? To

hit that shot like that at this crucial stage of the match! That's

just too much. They've got away with it, they've

got away with it. There was hesitation again, wasn't there? From

? That error of going with four Murray's ball in the previous game

on his mind. They got away with it, set point saved.

And the second! Good serve, Jamie Murray, very good serve.

Fantastic serve again, right in the corner. Two in a row.

Did Jamie Murray call that first one out? I think you may have. Called

that one out, and I don't think it was going out. Too fast at him,

anyway, he had no time. And again, down the line. So good.

How did he get that forehand out that way? It was a good serve.

Almost jammed. Look at the way he improvised their. And back again,

the same way. That is just fantastic play.

Eight break points to one in France's favour in this third set

and another set point. Can't believe it. Double find.

Benneteau has raced back to the chair. -- double fault. Huge

celebrations. The French pair know they have done a big, big job in

that set, coming from 4-2 down to win it. And they'll have won five

out of the last six games to turn that set around, just building and

building the pressure. Nicolas Mahut and Julien Benneteau take France to

just within one set of the Davis Cup semifinals. Firstly, just a quick

word on your singles yesterday, how did you think the match went? It was

tough. Jamie is much more used to the clay than me, much better than

me and that was pretty much that. -- Jeremy. I didn't have many answers

for what he threw at me. How tough was that, having not played any

clay-court matches in the last couple of years? I didn't feel

comfortable at all. Like I said, Jeremy looked comfortable and

clearly was comfortable. Pretty convincing in the end. The doubles

today, Great Britain, a great match so far, it looks like it's come down

to a couple of points. Anything you're seeing in particular that the

boys can do? I don't know... It's tough. The French pair are playing

really well. I think we had a chance in the first and third set, really.

I think we can still win it, we just have to take the chances. We were a

break up in that set. I think they still have it in them to win, for

sure. In the recent past the Great Britain team hasn't been 2-0 down in

many matches. What did you do last night to keep spirits up and fire

the boys up for the match today? Is nothing different, just stayed

positive. We all know it's going to be tough, but we're right up against

it now. 2-1 down in the doubles, 2-0 down in the tie. We all fight pretty

hard and we will see what we can do. With all the best. I hope they give

you a chance to get back on the court.

Dan Evans will be playing the first match on Sunday, if still live.

Don't know what they do if they were dead rubbers... I imagine Leon

Smith, the captain, won't think about that. If it is alive it will

be Dan Evans and Lucas Pouille first up. What a match this is turning

into. Two hours and 36 minutes played. Serve absolutely dominating

for the first two sets. Tie-breaks along the way. Some wonderful

returns on some wonderful winners and in the third set, a complete

shake-up. Yes. You have to give credit to the French team. Their

game, they just elevated their returns of serve all of a sudden.

Particularly Mahut. He was just on fire, dominating returns down the

line on almost every ball and they suddenly seemed to just jump a level

when it mattered. They were inspired. The British team did well

to hang in there but couldn't quite get it to the tie-breaker. An

awesome set from the French team, having been down a break.

In the wider scheme of the whole weekend, France leading the doubles

to live in one and the match 2-0, win this set and France have won the

tie. And Cuba celebrations... -- Cuba celebrations. Going by previous

Davis Cup celebrations I've witnessed, they will be loud and

exuberant. France happy to make the semifinals,

as they did last year. They lost to Croatia in the final four. For all

of their history in this competition, they have won the Davis

Cup since 2001. They went to Melbourne and famously won on the

grass beating the Australian team. The Australian team including

Lleyton Hewitt and Pat Rafter. Would dearly love to take his team to

another final. Also played Russia in the final...

Henry Matthew... Paul Henry Matthew. They were on their way to

back-to-back Davis cups. Mikhail Youznhy turned it round.

Argentina the reigning champions, they beat Croatia in Zagreb last

year. There have been four different winners in the last four years. Six

different nations have lifted the cup in the past seven.

That was a bit of a mis-hit volley, but got away with it.

What a rally! You won't see a better rally than that! What a point, that

was just fantastic. Every shot you can imagine was in

that rally. It was unbelievable. The first two sets were good. I have to

say, from the middle of the third set, it's just gone to a different

level. This point, this was ridiculous, how good it was. What an

overhead this was from Dom Inglot. He did well to recover in the rally

long before this. Yannick Noah enjoying what he just

seen. His third spell as the French Davis Cup captain.

2-1 France lead, 2-1 France lead in the fourth set. Two rubbers Tim

Kneale they lead in the tie overall. -- to nil. Is the Davis Cup

adventure coming to an end? They still believe they can turn this

around from here. No reason why they can't.

So good! This is really... You didn't see the Inglot one going

where it did, and then you didn't see Murray going there for that. I

love the way he looked a one-way and hit it the other. He looks one-way

and... Great! Not much you can do about that, that

was a good second serve, as well. Feet up time, isn't it, John? Just

watch and admire. Even down to that serve, looked

simple but it takes years to perfect a kick-serve like that, doesn't it?

You look at Jamie Murray's serve, and the improvement he's made from

two years ago is remarkable. It was a real weakness that time. His

second serve was short, not much punch on the first. He's turned it

now into a weapon. I suppose if you've been number one in the world

in doubles, you have to. Key service hold from the French

point of view. Isn't it great for Nicolas Mahut, is done so many great

things in doubles in the last couple of years, always be remembered as

being the man that played that incredible three-day match against

John Isner at Wimbledon and rustic, despite winning almost every other

stat in the match. But he's recovered. He could have gone away

after that... Absolutely, a crushing defeat for him. Even though he was

involved in one of the great stories of all time. But he's come here

now... Whatever happens in his career, the same as Jamie Murray,

he's been number one in the world. The best player in doubles in the

world. Whatever happens other tournaments, you've been number one

in the world in your profession. That is amazing. And then to win

Wimbledon. Of course. Incredible. Fabulous career. When you look back

at those years, ten years ago would Nicolas Mahut, he was always a

player you saw at a dangerous floater at Queen's... Beat Andy

Murray the year before. But no one could see this happening, towards

the 30s, to be number one in doubles and still an excellent singles

player for many, many years as well. A fabulous career.

Talking about the clay-court doubles and how much fun it is. Even these

logs you see off the return of serve, you hardly ever see that on

the faster courts. It's too quick to time those lobs that here on the

play we have seen some fabulous ones today. It's just a shot we don't see

much in doubles, other than from Jamie Murray. But all players are

using it today. He would be out there, if fit,

Herbert. The way Benneteau. 'S played,

Herbert might be a bit worried you won't get his place back. As France

moved to a 4-3 lead and within two games, potentially, of the

semifinals. I think it's just such a great

story, we almost take it for granted now, that you can be in your mid-30s

and still play absolutely top-level tennis. Roger Federer is doing it

right now in the singles game. Doubles you see a lot more of it, a

lot more players extending their careers well into their 30s. But

here you have two guys who first played together weigh down in the

junior ranks, when they were 11 and 12. Won junior competitions

together, in the 1990s. Teamed up as a professional pair in 1999.

And here we are, almost 20 years later, and they are still the best

pick for their nation, both 35 years of age.

It is going to be Jamie Murray to serve. 3-4, fourth set.

A good folly, that one. And that one was even better. -- a good volley.

Some trouble on serve in the third set. Jamie Murray has settled down

and is dominant once more, as he was throughout the first two says. Two

points dropped on the Murray serve in this set, which Britain have to

win to keep not just this match but the whole tie alive. It is Mahut to

serve next. Is a dominating service games so far

from Mahut. -- a dominating service game so far from Mahut.

Leon Smith, captain of this British team since 2010, Davis Cup - winning

captain, of course, to make years ago. Dom Inglot will be coming out

to serve to stay in the match. -- two years ago. A big responsibility.

But of course, this set is still going with serve, and it is a really

tight match. Is there something about it, John, where almost the

captain doesn't want to overemphasise the situation? This is

a match of just one or two points. If we can nick this set, from a

British point of view, we can perhaps still go one and win the

match. I don't know if it is tactical play, more just

encouragement, belief. -- tactical talk. The colours of France flying

all around the arena now in Rouen, because the spectators know the

situation. She knows, he knows... They know. France are 5-4 ahead.

They are two robbers to zero ahead. Win this game, and France are in the

semifinals. -- two rubbers. He has played it from out-of-court! Bottom

right of your screen - Nicolas Mahut. He played a shot from over

the advertising hoardings! Look at this. Over he goes. Now, keep an eye

on him. There! Make a good goalkeeper, he would! What a point!

If they had won that point, John, it would have been one of the all-time

greats. They have had a few in this match that will go viral.

A love service hold, serving to stay in the match. Service now shifts to

Benneteau. An excellent return of serve there

from Jamie Murray, taking that serve very early, short backswing, just

punching it long. A big point coming up now. We know that Dom Inglot's

going to swing at this one. It depends on the quality of the serve.

That's some second serve, that is. Right in the corner. 5-5, 30-30,

second serve. He is an experienced player who has been there and done

it many times before. Look at that - right on the line there.

Three in a row, John. Three in a row, first serveds from Benneteau.

-- first serves from Benneteau. Not much the British team could have

done about that. They were just three excellent serves. He kicks the

serve, changes the pace up. Benneteau has known success in his

home nation before, winning the French Open doubles a few years

back, 2014, with Roger-Vasselin. It was a first French victory at Roland

Garros in the doubles since 1984. Also an Olympic medallist, and he

would dearly love the Davis Cup as well. And all these supporters...

Made the final in 2010 and lost to Serbia. Novak Djokovic inspired

Serbia. And then a Roger Federer inspired Switzerland in 2014.

We are in the same situation which we were a few minutes ago, Britain

serving to stay in the match and keep it alive. 5-6, fourth set.

A bit strange there from Mahut, smacking that ball down the line, he

tried the oft back and Andy kick was too much for him. -- the off

backhand and the kick was too much for him.

That is the way to keep moving forwards on the volley. No

hesitation there from Murray. SUE BARKER: Just to say, a warning that

we will be moving the tennis to BBC Two in a moment. If this does go to

a tie-break, you will need to switch over. Have the remote handy!

COMMENTATOR: One point wave from a tie-break in the fourth set. -- one

point away. This has been good pressure from Murray.

That's good from Benneteau. Just held up off the net cord a little

tad. He was in position well. Is a bit unlucky with the net cord there,

Murray, just sat up. France, two points away from the match.

Oh! Recovery. France thought they'd got it there. Benneteau wound up his

backhand, and he wanted it to be the final shot of the tie. Match point

saved. When will the next one be? SUE BARKER: At this point, we

welcome viewers on BBC Two. If you are just joining us, this is the

Davis Cup quarterfinal between Great Britain and France in Rouen. France

lead 2-0, so the Brits need to win this match to keep the game alive.

France are leading 2-1, and this is the fourth set, France with a second

match point, so tense times here in Rouen. We will shortly say goodbye

to viewers on BBC One, and our coverage, with interviews, will

continue on BBC Two. COMMENTATOR: Oh! It is into the net

and back on the British side. It is all over!

I have never known an atmosphere like this.