Murray willing to go extra mile in Davis Cup

Andy Murray says he is willing to put his aching body on the line to help Great Britain secure a first Davis Cup semi-final appearance in 34 years.

Murray defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-5, 7-6 (12/10), 6-2 to level Britain's World Group quarter-final against France at 1-1 following Gilles Simon's straight sets victory over James Ward earlier on Friday.

With the tie on a knife-edge heading into Saturday's doubles rubber, world number three Murray was asked if he would be willing to be drafted in to play alongside his brother Jamie instead of Dominic Inglot.

The 28-year-old Scot is feeling the effects of a gruelling few months on the ATP Tour, which has seen him reach the Wimbledon and French Open semi-finals while winning titles at Queen's, Madrid and Munich.

But, just a week after losing to Roger Federer at Wimbledon, he said he is ready to play on Saturday and then in the reverse singles on Sunday if Britain captain Leon Smith wants him to.

"I'm tired in general. I don't feel perfect just now but I didn't expect that after the last few months. I get a break after the weekend and want to do the best for the team," Murray said.

"We have options in that (doubles) rubber. We need to be smart.

"I need to be honest about how I'm feeling and make a decision with all the team."

Smith confirmed he would talk to the two-time Grand Slam winner and the rest of the British team on Friday evening before making a final decision.

"We'll have a conversation tonight, chew the fat on it and make a call," he said.

"It's not just me and Andy sitting in a room concocting the plan. We will speak to all the team and make a decision.

"You can't not be inspired with what Andy put on the court there."

And despite his lack of doubles action in recent years, Murray is confident he could adapt to the different challenge against Nicolas Mahut and Richard Gasquet.

"A lot of doubles is about instincts. That's something you pick up from playing the sport for years. If I do play I'm sure I can help the team," he added.
Source: AFP