Great Britain captain Leon Smith called for his team to earn a winning send-off from the traditional Davis Cup in Glasgow on Sunday.
Britain take a 2-1 lead into the reverse singles after Jamie Murray and Dom Inglot came from a set down to win the doubles rubber against Uzbekistan in Glasgow.
Murray, fresh from his US Open mixed doubles win with Bethanie Mattek-Sands, and Inglot overcame Denis Istomin and Sanjar Fayziev 4-6 7-6 (10/8) 6-2 6-3.
Relive that sensational fightback from @jamie_murray & @dominglot!
How much did you enjoy that @DavisCup win? #BackTheBrits ?? pic.twitter.com/8oHJAd2y3b
— British Tennis (@BritishTennis) September 15, 2018
It means a win for Cameron Norrie against Istomin, or Dan Evans against Jurabek Karimov, will seal a historic victory of sorts.
With the Davis Cup undergoing a revamp next year there is no relegation at stake, but Smith’s team need a victory in the tie to ensure they are seeded in February’s qualifying tournament.
It also signals the end of best-of-five matches, meaning no more repeats of Friday when Evans and Norrie both went the distance.
“We had 6,500 people in there today that have been excellent supporters every time we bring the Davis Cup up here to Glasgow.
“People talked about this not meaning a lot but it didn’t look like that over the last two days, did it? You saw Friday, seven-and-a-half hours of tennis.
“You saw literally blood, sweat and a lot of tears at the end of the matches. It shows you what’s at stake when it comes to playing here.”
? Incredible tennis on display as @jamie_murray produces this ridiculous volley!
Is there a better volleyer in the world? #BackTheBrits ?? pic.twitter.com/TUBwih5Ihg
— British Tennis (@BritishTennis) September 15, 2018
The change of format, and the end of five-set matches, has divided opinion, and Smith added: “We’re hoping to send off what is the last stage of best-of-five matches.
“There’s two ways of looking at the best-of-five. It was amazing drama yesterday, amazing drama. Two five-setters.
“But there wasn’t many people left at the end, just real die-hard tennis fans at the end.
“It’s tough to bring family, children to come and watch seven-and-a-half hours of sport.
“I think that’s why the doubles Saturday has always been to me so amazing. Even today was quite a long match and you see the kids are there, really engaging with it, and that’s where next year maybe it going to best-of-three sets we’ll be able to get that sort of audience in for it again.”
