Tennis: Murray lifts Britain into Davis Cup quarter-finals

Andy Murray of Great Britain serves against Sam Querrey of the United States during day three of the Davis Cup World Group first round between the US and Great Britain at PETCO Park on Feb 2, 2014 in San Diego, California. Murray won in four sets on
Andy Murray of Great Britain serves against Sam Querrey of the United States during day three of the Davis Cup World Group first round between the US and Great Britain at PETCO Park on Feb 2, 2014 in San Diego, California. Murray won in four sets on Sunday, Feb 2, 2014, to send Great Britain into the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup for the first time since 1986. -- PHOTO: AFP

SAN DIEGO (AFP) - Andy Murray beat Sam Querrey in four sets on Sunday, Feb 2, 2014, to send Great Britain into the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup for the first time since 1986.

Wimbledon champion Murray posted his second singles victory of the tie, downing Querrey 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (3/7), 6-1, 6-3 to capture the needed third point in the best-of-five match tie.

Britain had seized a commanding 2-0 lead on the opening day on Friday as 175th-ranked James Ward pulled off a remarkable comeback win over Querrey.

Ward won 10 of the last 11 games to grab the five-set triumph, after Murray had crushed Davis Cup newcomer Donald Young in straight sets.

Young was a late replacement in the US squad for injured John Isner.

The formidable doubles duo of Bob and Mike Bryan had kept the Americans alive with a doubles victory over Colin Fleming and Dominic Inglot on Saturday.

However, Querrey couldn't prevent Britain from posting their first Davis Cup win over the United States since 1935.

In the quarter-finals Britain will face Italy, who sealed a 3-1 victory over Argentina in Mar del Plata on Sunday.

The United States will face a playoff to remain in the elite World Group.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.