The Murray brothers once again won in the doubles of the Davis Cup to help their side to go into the lead ahead of the final two matches’ tomorrow afternoon. The pair have got an incredible record playing together in the Davis Cup over the past couple of years and they played an integral part of helping their side to lift the 2015 editions. In truth the Brits eased to victory in the doubles against the Japan duo of Yoshihito Nishioka and Yasutaka Uchiyama winning in straight sets.

Andy Murray has been such a consistent performer for GB in the Davis Cup over the recent years and was once more at his imperious best throughout the tie and he will once more have the chance to send his side through to the next round when he comes up against the experienced Kei Nishikori, in what is looking like being a high quality match between to seeds in the top 10 from the men’s game.  The first set was won easily in just 34 minutes and set the Murray brothers on their way.

Story of 1st set

It was a heavily one sided first set as Britain gained control of it from the off and although it was only one break of serve in the set that doesn't show the full story of just how much of a gap there was between to the two sides. The Brits had five aces in the first set compared to the Japanese one and this was something which was mirrored in the later sets. Where the1st set was won was through the second serves, as the Brits put all of their second serves in and won 10/14 of their second serves which played a key role in them winning the first set. As for the Jap's they struggled with their second serves as they won just 6 of their ten points on their second serves.

A Murray also was key in the first set as he showed real calm under pressure and was assured throughout and really helped J Murray through the set. Jamie Murray really grew into it the further the set went and his general play reached a much higher level once the first couple of game were out of the way.

Andy Murray was really good on his own serve and got through many of his service games quickly meaning that the pressure was immediately thrown straight back on to the visitors, which they crumbled under to hand a break to the Brit's in the 6th game of the opening set.

Second set just as quick

The second set was a similar story to the first and lasted just a minute longer than the first as the Brits really grabbed the control of the match in the second and made themselves a real threat throughout the second set and ultimately eased through the second set after an early break of serve. Like the first set the aces and double faults were a key reason as to why the Brits won the set as the hosts had no double faults, whilst also having 5 aces.

Kei Nishikori should prove a tough test for Andy Murray (Source: tennisworldUSA)
Kei Nishikori should prove a tough test for Andy Murray (Source: tennisworldUSA)

As for the visitors they still had no aces in the set but their serving was much tighter as they gave away no double faults in the set which was something which they could cling to heading into the final set. Like the first set the visitors didn't carve out any opportunities to break the Murray brothers serve, and the Brits created a number of chances to break and converted 2 of them 5 chances which was enough to easily win the second set.

Final set nervy

The third and final set of the match was much different to the opening two sets as the Murray brothers had to really dig-in to show their worth and complete the victory. The crucial break came in the 9th game when the Brits took the advantage in the set after a 12 minute game, and was the key moment which ensured the Brits were able to take control in the tie.

It was Andy Murray who served out the match the game after breaking the Jap's which came as a result of some great play from his brother Jamie. Once the second set was won the Japanese knew they were up against it and it would be a challenge, but they kept going right up until the last ball, but the Brit's were ultimately too strong for them.

It was a great overall display from the Murray brothers who, in this format complement each other so well in this form of the game. The way in which the pair served throughout the tie and in particular the final set will give them real confidence heading into the next round providing that they get there with a win in one of the two ties tomorrow.

In terms of the stats in the final set it was close, but collecting the break of serve in the 9th game was ever so crucial in collecting momentum and being able to see of the resilient Japanese. So it will be Murray who will have the opportunity for to send Britain through to the 1/4 finals of the Davis Cup to continue their fine recent record in the competition.

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About the author
Tom  Mason
Im 18 years old and a studying media. Write for the Southampton, Cricket and Tennis sections. Am an sports writer and have been writing for Vavel since August 2015 Twitter: @tom_mason18