Murray brothers to carry load for Britain in Davis Cup

That’s the view of those close to the Great Britain camp, where the 20-year-old is now practicing ahead of the final against Belgium in Ghent, which begins on Friday.

Belgium defeated reigning champions Switzerland (albeit without Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka 3-2) in the first round, Canada (5-0) and Argentina (3-2) en route to their first Davis Cup final since 1904.

Now they host Britain in what should be a joyous occasion but inevitably a shadow of terror hangs over the tie.

While the official threat level is one notch lower in Ghent, virtually all of the 1,000-plus British fans scheduled to make the short journey to the Flanders Expo indoor arena will pass through Brussels, either via its airport or Eurostar train terminal.

Jamie Murray has claimed Belgium’s No. 1 will carry the mental scars of getting “pumped” by his brother Andy into the Davis Cup final.

He said: ” Throughout the year we’re having to deal with jetlag and travel. I think we as a team have a lot of confidence in the organization. I know what I need to do to get my body in the best shape if I’m going to play.

“But the difficulties are there”.

“The team are very much looking forward to departing for Ghent tomorrow and, unless otherwise advised, we are determined to go [to the final]”, the spokesman added. What normally happens is Wednesday evening we get together, coaches and medical team, and we talk about it then Leon will make his decision and tell the boys.

“Hopefully, he takes it the right way, but he quietly galvanises the team together and quietly gives the players huge support on the side. We’re training, it’s business as normal and ready to play on Friday”. “I m sure he ll continue as he has done all year and carry the team and do the job out there”.

“I think it’s not for me to give people advice on security”.

“Everyone, I think, is very comfortable in the team”.

“We wanted to get here and actually get a feel for the venue, feel for the courts”, said Smith.

“So we are going to be watching at home”. We have to concentrate on sporting matters and if we win or lose there will be no excuses’.

“We’ve had experience playing in Naples and Umag, as well, which were good atmospheres”.

The world number 16 is undoubtedly a quality player, while team-mate Steve Darcis once beat Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon and has a fine Davis Cup record.

Murray has been the driving force behind Britain s run into the country s first Davis Cup final since 1978, winning all eight of the rubbers he has played – six singles and two doubles – against the United States, France and Australia.

He can point to the final being on clay rather than a hard court and also the not inconsiderable factor of 12,000 supporters cheering him on.

Henman said: “I think it was evident in his performance at the O2 that he was a bit distracted, and that’s perfectly acceptable when you’ve got a Davis Cup final around the corner”. “But I only played on the court for a couple hours in freezing cold conditions”.