by Our Sports Desk

GREAT BRITAIN are through to the Davis Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years after Andy Murray came from a set down to beat France’s Gilles Simon yesterday afternoon.

Murray was playing his third match in as many days and fatigue looked to have taken its toll when he trailed Simon by a set and a break but the Scot dug deep to win 4-6 7-6 (7/5) 6-3 6-0.

The victory handed Britain an unassailable 3-1 lead in the best-of-five tie and sets up a mouthwatering clash with Australia in the last four.

It is the first time two brothers have single-handedly won a World Group tie since 1998 after Murray beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the singles on Friday before partnering his brother Jamie to a win in the doubles.

“The whole weekend has been fantastic,” Murray said.

“This team has done amazing things. We’re punching above our weight here. We’re in the semi-finals now of the biggest competition in tennis.

“It’s been a long road back from where we were a few years ago but there are many players who have played their part in getting us here.

“I’m just proud to get here and hopefully we can do well against Australia in September.”

Murray was beaten by Roger Federer in the Wimbledon semi-finals only nine days ago and the British number one had to draw upon all his powers of physical and mental resilience to overcome Simon.

“It feels unbelievable to get through that,” Murray said.

“It wasn’t looking good in the second set but I managed to find a way and used up every last ounce of energy.

“I tried to change my tactics, I was making too many mistakes and Gilles was playing so solid.

“I just chased every ball down, I didn’t care how I played, I just wanted to win the match today and that’s what I did.”

After the match the Scot could hardly hold back the tears as he leapt about the court with a Union Flag in hand before embracing his triumphant captain Leon Smith.