Davis Cup delight: reminiscing over a homecoming to remember
• 3 MINUTE READ
In just a matter of months, The World Cup of Tennis is set to return to its former host as the Davis Cup takes centre stage at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow. Upon its return to the Dear Green Place, pride and elation immediately come to the forefront as memories unfold of a particularly special homecoming for Andy and Jamie Murray back in 2015.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane…
Sound familiar? 2015 marked the year of a national celebration befitting of the Murray brothers’ return to their homeland as Great Britain became the first British team to lift the Davis Cup trophy since 1936.
“I just can’t believe we did it,” said Andy Murray. “I play some of the best tennis when I’m playing for my country.”
With a tough opponent in the form of the then-seventh seeds, the USA, to open their campaign, the Murrays, James Ward, Kyle Edmund and Dominic Inglot sure had their work cut out for them as they took centre stage at the Emirates Arena for the first time.
Under the guidance of Davis Cup Captain Leon Smith, the British squad caused quite the racket as they defeated the most successful side in Davis Cup history – boasting an impressive 32 titles and a total of 61 final appearances – the USA.
It was in the first round that the then world No.111 Ward produced a shock upset against the USA, leaving the British crowd in raptures following his 6-7(4), 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(3), 15-13 victory over former top 20 player, John Isner. Thos marked a heroic juncture in Davis Cup history that paved the way for an unforgettable British phenomenon…
Following their applaud-worthy 3-2 victory over the States, the Brits continued their road to the final as they trounced France 3-1 in the quarter-finals before returning to Glasgow.
Before animated crowds, on home turf, Smith’s squad etched their name in the history books as they beat the Aussie’s 3-2. Murray’s back-to-back singles win over Thanasi Kokkinakis and Bernard Tomic, alongside his doubles triumph with brother Jamie, helped book themselves in Britain’s spot in their first final since 1978.
The trophy now in touching distance; the Brits crossed the English Channel to set up camp in Ghent, Belgium where Murray would once again lead the charge in establishing themselves as national heroes.
Facing the home nation was always going to be a daunting prospect, but the former Wimbledon champion appeared unperturbed, producing an expertly placed backhand topspin lob before sinking to his knees in complete euphoria as he outfoxed the former world No.7 David Goffin in straight-sets to lead his team to victory.
It is amazing, as good a feeling as I could imagine. Andy has shown himself to be an absolute superstar.
"He will be the first to say that it is a team thing but what he has done is astonishing. I am proud of everyone."
Lifting the trophy for the world to see; Great Britain secured their tenth Davis Cup title overall, and their first-ever in the Open Era.
