Murray looking for Davis Cup boost

And Murray made sure of a first British Davis Cup title in 79 years with a sensational performance to defeat Goffin 6-3 7-5 6-3 in Ghent. “I imagine it will take a few days before it really sinks in”, said the world No2, who was hoisted onto the shoulders of jubilant team-mates upon winning.

And it underpinned Murray’s place in tennis history following his headline-making wins in the 2012 US Open and Olympics, and at Wimbledon the following year. “It’s incredible for all of us to watch how he’s managed to win that many rubbers, that many wins”. I didn’t know that would ever be possible.

He has now joined John McEnroe and Mats Wilander as the only men to have an 8-0 singles record in a Davis Cup year, and with the doubles he is only the fourth man to win 11 rubbers in a single year.

The final act of a gripping match was one of its highlights, Murray defending for all he was worth before curling a delicious lob over his opponent and inside the baseline.

“For me, playing in an atmosphere like that, it was so loud, there was a lot of booing and whistling, mentally it is good to go through matches like that and I hope I can use it to my advantage in the future”. “I’m glad I was able to help the team”, he said. It doesn’t happen too often. It’s monumental. I’m so proud of every single player and the staff that’s played a part.

Britain is the only nation to have competed in all Davis Cup editions since 1900 and its 10th title makes it the third most successful nation after the United States (32) and Australia (28).

“He’s just incredible”, said Smith. Now they sit on top of the world.

“We are hoping this team wins team of the year (at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year show)”. He’s put his whole body, his whole mind on the line every single time for the team. “Our team gets to come back to a home tie in Birmingham and that’s going to be the time when we really want to see the activation hit a high level”.

‘An unbelievable experience’ Jamie Murray posted the above picture on Instagram with the message “Davis Cup Winners 2015!!!”

Murray said: ” I was pumped the whole match. “But it’s definitely given me a boost going into the off-season”. It’s been an fantastic journey and we couldn’t have done it without you.

“But I think that the timing is really what’s the issue because the players, they put so much effort into the grand slams”. I’m still obviously young.

The LTA was heavily criticised by figures inside and outside the game for the failure to capitalise on Murray’s Wimbledon success in 2013. “These are very special, emotional moments that can actually drive interest in our sport, there’s no doubt about it”, said the chief executive. We’ve probably got a couple of great weeks of coverage (now). What we want to see is more people playing, so there should be a bigger talent pool in years to come.

All change in 2016? We’ve already booked the stadium for March.

A victory would secure Britain’s World Group status into 2017, and Murray has indicated that a second-round tie – potentially away to Serbia – would prove “very difficult” as it falls after Wimbledon but before the Olympic Games. By then, of course, depending on the outcome of an ITF hearing Aljaz Bedene may also be eligible to represent Great Britain.

Murray collapsed to the clay, head buried in his hands, before being mobbed by captain Leon Smith and his team-mates.

As for the man himself, Smith was keen to just enjoy a moment he admitted he could scarcely believe had come to pass.

“But it’s really not important”.