2015 Davis Cup Final: Great Britain or Belgium?November 19, 2015

It was a historic moment for Great Britain and Belgium.

Great Britain advanced to their first Davis Cup final since 1978. Andy Murray played three big matches in three straight days. The two-time major winner had back problems. Belgium, on the other hand, waited 111 years before making it back to the finals. Steve Darcis was their hero, as the Belgian squad was aware what was in store for them.

The British team would be hosting the finals if Argentina beat Belgium. It turned out the other way, and everyone following this team event were certain that the finals would be played on clay. (Flanders Expo will be the venue.) Murray had a good clay court season last spring, reaching the semifinals at Roland Garros and winning titles at Munich and Madrid. But he was competing in the ATP World Tour Finals. It will be played in (indoor) hard court. He might not have enough time to adjust to the change of surface.

Great Britain will win the tie

Great Britain will prevail over Belgium. The tie will be decided on the fifth rubber. Andy Murray thought of skipping the ATP World Tour Finals. It seemed sensible, as the British team might not have a good chance of making it to the finals next year. The host nation chooses the surface that suits their players. Not that Murray isn't good in all surfaces, but the Olympics will be held next summer. Expect some players to skip some tournaments. It will be quite a long season when they travel to Rio de Janeiro. A player can get injured.

Murray had Roger Federer in mind. He withdrew from the final match of the ATP World Tour Finals last year. He was tired, and the Davis Cup would be five days away. (Federer lost to Gaël Monfils in his first match.) The doubles match will decide the outcome of the tie, and in most cases, the victorious team ends up with the trophy. Andy can count on Jamie, his older brother, who has a banner year. Captain Leon Smith has yet to decide on who will play the other singles match. He can opt for experience (James Ward) or someone who can take Darcis and David Goffin to the distance. This might have an effect on the doubles match.

Watch out for Australia next year

Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Groth came close to winning the crucial doubles match. Australia bowed to Great Britain, but the experience would help them next year. If Nick Kyrgios is focused and healthy, then other teams must watch out. Luck plays a part, so the Aussie squad can hope of hosting the tie.

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