Murray levels for Britain in Davis Cup final

Most experts had expected a 1-1 scoreline after the first day in Ghent but the way it unfolded was not predicted by many.

Though the level of Kyle Edmund’s performance in the opening match of the weekend – when the debutant led Goffin by two sets before losing in five – would suggest that he might be capable of winning a decisive fifth rubber, should this year’s final go the distance.

Murray followed the pair on to court and there was no such drama. He prevailed despite receiving a point penalty for an audible obscenity, a moment that temporarily lifted Bemelmans.

Heading into the match, Bemelmans said he had a “clear plan” and that soon appeared to be using his drop shot at every opportunity. But when it counted – at 5-5 in the third set – Murray showed his class with a string of controlled, yet aggressive points.

The panto season came early to Ghent, with Murray happy to be cast in the role as villain as he swept aside Ruben Bemelmans in straight sets 6-3, 6-2, 7-5.

Some first rubber drama was provided in the opening rubber of the Davis Cup Final. Only John McEnroe and Mats Wilander have won a flawless eight out of eight in the World Group before.

The second match will pitch Murray against the Belgians’ second singles nomination and world No.108, Bemelmans, who just last week was playing club tennis in front of one man and his frites. Even if Edmund freezes on the big stage, as seems probable, Murray should be capable of wrapping up two singles victories and teaming up with brother Jamie to get a vital doubles’ point. I didn’t feel we should be given any warning or discussion about the public. “I did say that before the tie started”. In fact I would go much further. “I didn’t know I had the first one, so it was a bit confusing”.

David Goffin recovered from two sets down to defeat Kyle Edmund in a pulsating five-set thriller, as Belgium took a 1-0 lead over Great Britain in the Davis Cup final.

That near horrid service game was quickly put on the backburner as Edmund started to dictate play with his massive forehand to give him a 15-30 lead. When trailing by two sets, it was nearly as if Goffin, ranked 16 in the world, so some 84 spots above his opponent, suddenly remembered his standing and status, and how he needed to win the match if his country was to have any realistic chance of winning the trophy for the first time. “You’re playing for your country, you’re playing for your team-mates”.

And the Belgian levelled matters by racing through the fourth set 6-1 to set up a thrilling finale. It was just disappointing that my body couldn’t hold up the way I would have liked it to. “It was tough for me to find my timing”. Edmund had never played in the Davis Cup before, and had only once gone past the three-set mark in his career. “It’s obviously disappointing for me personally, but lots of positives to take away from it”. However, this was on an indoor hard court while the final will be played on indoor clay.

The Scot then had to save a set point after double-faulting, letting out a huge roar as Bemelmans failed to return a second serve that must have caught the back of the line.

It was a painful watch after that. He couldn’t get near me. It’s something I need to learn from.

“I think he’s a talented player”.

“Try to get them on the back a little bit of the English – the Brits, if I have to be correct”. He’s serving well. Physically he’s big.

Goffin added of Edmund: “He’s really, really talented”.

If Edmund won the match, with Murray, Great Britain’s kingpin, set to play in the following two rubbers, the tie could have been all over inside two days.

Belgium captain Johan van Herck also had words. Steve Darcis and Kimmer Coppejans are now Belgium’s nominated pair.