Roger Federer: Great Britain favourites in Davis Cup Final
Sunday 29 November 2015 13:30, UK
Roger Federer has backed Great Britain to win this year's Davis Cup, with Andy Murray the deciding factor.
Britain will attempt to win the tournament for the first time in 79 years when they take on Belgium in Ghent this weekend and world No 3 Federer believes they have the determining factor in Murray.
And despite 13,000 home fans cheering on Belgium from the Flanders Expo, Federer believes Murray will have too much for the hosts.
"Britain are the favourites in my opinion because they have Andy in the team," said Federer, who won the trophy for the first time for Switzerland last year.
Belgium's team includes World No 16 David Goffin and they have overcome Switzerland, albeit without Federer and Stan Wawrinka in their ranks, Canada and Argentina to make the final two.
And Federer has been impressed by 24-year-old Goffin's development this year.
"I really like Goffin, a great player. Good attitude," Federer said. "I feel like he's the kind of guy that can handle pressure."
Goffin will likely be up against Britain's 100th-ranked debutant Kyle Edmund in the opening match; a must-win rubber for the hosts.
Murray is likely to play Belgium No 2 Steve Darcis, who won the fifth rubber in the semi-final against Argentina, although captain Johan Van Herck could save him for what could be a potential title-decider in Sunday's reverse singles.
The 2013 Wimbledon champion is undefeated, winning two singles against the United States, two more against France - including a punishing four-set comeback against Gilles Simon - and a singles victory over Australia's Bernard Tomic in the semis.
And the World No 2's indispensable role is not lost on a former finalist for Great Britain.
"The reality is that if Andy gets injured or ill, then it would be a very difficult match to win," said Mark Cox - who played in the 1978 final.
"Leon has done well to bond the team and get some performances from James Ward, well beyond what realistically would be expected.
"But the whole run to the final has relied on Andy's performances and it has been great to see Jamie rising to the challenge and becoming a force in doubles."
