Andy Murray clinched Great Britain’s first title in the team competition since 1936 when he defeated David Goffin 6-3 7-5 6-3 on Sunday, and it was only fitting that the 28-year-old applied the knockout blow for the visitors at the 13,000 capacity Flanders Expo. Great Britain triumphed on the clay 3-1.
Murray was a one-man show in 2015, compiling an 11-0 record versus the tough trio of U.S., France, Australia and now Belgium. In singles his teammates, meanwhile, went 1-4, although that one win — James Ward’s upset of the U.S.’s John Isner in the first round in March — was pivotal.
Only John McEnroe in 1982 has had a better season statistically in the Davis Cup, going 12-0. Had Murray been forced to play another match this year, he’d probably have equaled the American.
Murray also became the first man since legendary American Pete Sampras in 1995 to win three so-called live rubbers in a final, having rescued Great Britain on Friday in the opening singles matches and played a starring role in Saturday’s victory in the doubles over Goffin and Steve Darcis alongside older brother Jamie.
The Scot is somewhat behind Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in pedigree — his fellow “Big Four” members — but the world No. 2 joined the trio in landing grand slams and a Davis Cup crown. Like Federer and Nadal, Murray possesses an Olympic gold medal, too.
“It feels amazing,” said Murray. “I never thought we would have the opportunity to do this. I can’t believe we did it. It’s unbelievably tough. Tough year.
Goffin is an entertainer and shot-maker, though the 24-year-old lacks a sizable weapon to trouble the top-10. He entered the contest with an 0-9 record against such opposition in 2015 and was 1-22 lifetime. Further, Murray crushed the diminutive Goffin 6-1 6-0 at the Paris Masters in early November.
And whereas Murray is used to playing three straight days in the Davis Cup — where matches are best-of-five sets — it’s not so for Goffin.