Great Britain beat Japan 3-1 in Birmingham
Andy Murray beats Kei Nishikori 7-5 7-6 (8-6) 3-6 4-6 6-3
GB will play Serbia or Kazakhstan in July's quarter-final
Image source, ReutersNishikori doesn't look to be carrying the strain of a man two sets down, but Murray is very much playing with the cheek of a man two sets up. Two scampers get him back to 30-30. A Nishikori overhead winner is greeted by nothing, no applause, not a sausage. The Japanese closes it out with a hammering forehand. Wonderful tennis, even if the Birmingham crowd doesn't appreciate it.
John Lloyd
Former Davis Cup finalist on BBC One
"I think mentally, after five weeks out, Murray is fighting a bit against himself at the moment, and playing a few shots that he wouldn’t normally do."
I hear that the arena must be vacated by 2am tomorrow morning so that they can set up for the All England Badminton Championships. If we go five, we could get close to that. Murray, serving with his back to us, has sweat piercing through his shirt. Some boomers lead to a no-fuss hold.
John Lloyd
Former Davis Cup finalist on BBC One
"The margins have been so small in this match. Theoretically speaking it will be a five hour plus match if it goes to five sets."
Ooofff, very classy single-handed backhand from Nishikori gives him game point at the start of the set, then a line-skimming wide serve completes the job.
#bbctennis
Image source, Getty ImagesEmma Gregory: Yessssss Muzza!!!! How did you get that back?!!
Blues Club Over 31's: Andy Murray! #outthebag
Sarah Taylor: I didn't have lunch before this match, too scared to move in case I miss anything. Will I even get dinner at this rate?
What has Nishikori got in response? He has the balls at the start of the third.
Andrew Castle
BBC Sport tennis commentator
Image source, Getty Images"Nishikori’s head is hanging. His hands were on his knees, he thought he had done enough. He has taken a blow to the solar plexus, no doubt about that."
Murray 7-5 7-6 (8-6) Nishikori
Murray wins the second set in extraordinary fashion. After a swee-saw tie-break, the Scot puts Britain two up with some wonderful defence, while Nishikori can only hang his head. A skyscraping defensive lob lands in, Nishikori has to play one more shot, but the forehand is into the net. Britain are nearly there.
John Lloyd
Former Davis Cup finalist on BBC One
"That is just brilliant."
Quite brilliant from Murray. The one-two punch. Send Nishikori wide, come in and put away the volley. Set point...
John Lloyd
Former Davis Cup finalist on BBC One
Image source, AFP"That is his bread and butter serve on the Ad side. That is the one he goes to on 75 per cent of big points."
Ace! Served out wide, Nishikori not in the frame. Another change of ends.
Andrew Castle
BBC Sport tennis commentator
"You have got to credit the Japanese player again."
Oh, Andy. Huge credit to Nishikori, who hangs in there, makes a crucial decision to hang back, then sees Murray drift long. Set point to the Japanese...
Image source, Getty ImagesMurray digs deep, forcing the mistake. Huge point coming up...
John Lloyd
Former Davis Cup finalist on BBC One
"This for me is a sign of rustiness from being out for five weeks."
Andrew Castle
BBC Sport tennis commentator
"What is going on?"
You're kidding. Murray drags a backhand wide and Nishikori, from 4-0 down, is in control. He has serves coming up. Win both points, win the set.
Andrew Castle
BBC Sport tennis commentator
"Very good play from Nishikori, four straight points!"