Andy Murray defeats John Isner to seal Davis Cup win
Monday 9 March 2015 15:17, UK
Andy Murray beat John Isner in straight sets to give Great Britain a 3-1 lead and guarantee victory over the United States in their Davis Cup match.
In front of a partisan crowd in Glasgow, the British No 1 saved three set points before taking the opener on a tie-break and he remained in control after that to claim a 7-6 (7/4) 6-3 7-6 (7/4) victory.
The win sealed a 3-1 triumph over the United States and set up a World Group quarter-final tie against France in July.
Murray said: "It feels great. This is a team effort and I think everyone agrees the team played their part. On behalf of all of the players I want to thank the crowd because it's been one of the most special atmospheres I've ever played in."
Isner, who had lost out to James Ward on Friday in a gruelling five-hour contest, hit six aces in his first two service games and threatened to break Murray in the eighth game after the Scot posted two double faults.
But the home favourite saved a third break point with an ace and then moved to 4-4 before Isner passed up three set points and started the subsequent tie-break with a double fault and could not break back.
A brilliant lob from Murray broke the American No 1 in the sixth game of the second set and he served to love to move two ahead.
Isner again proved resilient in the third set but a couple of excellent backhand slices put him in trouble on his serve in the tie-break and Murray finished him off with a smash at the net before seeing out the win with another ace.
His triumph gave Britain an unassailable lead before James Ward took on Donald Young in a dead rubber.
However, Ward was forced to retire when leading 7-5 0-1.
Britain will again be at home in the last eight on July 17-19 against France, who beat Germany 3-2 after winning the first three matches including singles triumphs for world top-20 players Gilles Simon and Gael Monfils.
