Davis Cup final: David Goffin has 'nothing to lose' v Andy Murray
Sunday 29 November 2015 14:01, UK
David Goffin says he is ready to keep Belgium's Davis Cup bid alive by beating Andy Murray in the first of Sunday's reverse singles rubbers.
Belgium will need to win both matches on the last day of the final in Ghent if they are to win the trophy for the first time - otherwise Great Britain will lift it to end a 79-year wait.
Goffin faces the mighty task of having to beat Murray, though, after the world No 2 teamed up with his brother Jamie to win Saturday's doubles and put GB 2-1 ahead in the tie.
The Belgian No 1, ranked 16th in the world, has played Murray twice before and lost in straight sets both times. The most recent clash came in Paris earlier this month when he won just one game.
However, he was staying positive as he looked ahead to their third meeting.
"I've not played Andy on clay courts. I will try to play my best tennis," he said.
"I have nothing to lose, it's 2-1 in the tie. I just have to give everything I have.
"On clay courts I have some weapons to play a good match."
Despite a good performance which defied most expectations, Goffin and partner Steve Darcis were unable to prevent the Murrays extending their perfect Davis Cup record to 4-0 as a pairing.
A four-set loss means Goffin has already been on court for nine sets this weekend but he dismissed any concerns about tiredness ahead of his meeting with Murray.
"Physically I'm feeling good," he added.
"It's not a problem if I have to play five sets on Sunday. I'm still confident."
As for Murray, he was trying to play down the weight of expectation on his shoulders, saying even if he lost that GB could still win the trophy in a fifth and final rubber. Either Kyle Edmund, beaten in five sets by Goffin on Friday, or James Ward would play in that.
"I'm not getting ahead of myself," he said. "I know how good a player Goffin is. You don't get to be ranked 15 in the world in today's game with the depth that there is if you're not pretty good at the game.
"Even if I was to lose against Goffin, I think we have a very good chance in the fifth rubber, whoever plays for them."
