Andy Murray gave Britain its first Davis Cup title in 79 years when he beat Belgium’s David Goffin 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 in the first of reverse singles Sunday.
The win gave Britain an unassailable 3-1 lead in the best-of-five series and the final singles match was not played.
“I can’t believe we did it,” Murray said on court. “We may never get an opportunity to do this again. We should celebrate tonight.”
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).
After hitting a backhand lob that clinched the match, Murray fell on his back on the clay at the Flanders Expo arena.
Goffin has not won a set against Murray in two previous matches on the tour.
The Belgian appeared to get a glimmer of hope when he broke Murray’s serve for a 2-0 lead in the third set. But, dropped his serve in the very next game. Then, he pounced on Goffin’s second serve to break the Belgian at love and regain the initiative. Murray wasted the first match point but the final lob was a superb shot to finish the long quest for the title as the loud British supporters exploded in joy.