Last updated: 15/09/2013

GB beat Croatia to move into Davis Cup World Group

The Aegon GB Davis Cup Team have beaten Croatia 4-1 to move into the World Group of the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas.

World No.3 Andy Murray sealed the victory for Great Britain as he defeated Croatia's Ivan Dodig in the fourth rubber of the tie to give GB an unassailable 3-1 lead, before Dan Evans added another point by beating Mate Pavic 6-4, 7-6(4) in the tie's final, fifth, rubber.

After the match, Murray, the GB No.1 player told British Eurosport: "I thought it was a pretty good match from my side, I gave him very few opportunities. Very happy with the way I played today.

"Davis Cup is different. The atmosphere was pretty hostile at the end there. But that's what's special about it. It's character building, you’re playing for your team and your country.

"Now we return [to the World Group] I'm looking forward to it. You get to play against some of the biggest countries, top teams, top players. It's exciting, I'm pleased for all the guys. I'll try and celebrate tonight with all the team."

The British team now returns to the elite level of world team tennis for the first time since 2008. The draw to determine who they will play in round one of the 2014 competition will take place on Wednesday 18th September.

Team Captain Leon Smith said: "It's amazing, it was an incredible performance. My voice has gone from all the shouting. The crowd was absolutely brilliant and from start to finish Andy was exceptional.

"It's been a long journey and a real team effort from everyone, all the back room staff. We're delighted, really delighted. Team spirit has got us back. It makes the difference, everyone gets behind each other after years of hard work."

Having won the crucial doubles rubber on Saturday GB knew that one victory would be enough to take the tie and Andy Murray started as favourite against world No.35 Ivan Dodig in the first rubber on Sunday.

Despite the Croatian, who was backed by strong home support, throwing everything at Murray and mixing up the play, the British No.1 had all the answers and showed his class as he took victory in straight sets, winning 6-4, 6-2, 6-4.

In the final match of the tie, a best of three set dead rubber, Dan Evans came through a tight match against 20 year old Mate Pavic to seal a great weekend for British Tennis.

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Order of Play - GB v Croatia

Friday - 10.00 BST

  • Andy Murray bt Borna Coric
  • Ivan Dodig bt Dan Evans

Saturday - 13.00 BST

  • Andy Murray / Colin Fleming bt Ivan Dodig / Mate Pavic

Sunday - 10.00 BST

  • Andy Murray bt Ivan Dodig
  • Dan Evans v Mate Pavic