Murray brings Great Britain level in Davis Cup final

Andy Murray brought Great Britain level at 1-1 in the Davis Cup final with Belgium as he beat Ruben Bemelmans in straight sets.

After David Goffin’s superb comeback against Kyle Edmund earlier on day one in Ghent, Great Britain needed the world number two to give their hopes a boost and he was more than up to the task.

Murray created 14 break points on the Bemelmans serve over the two hours and 24 minutes on court, converting six as he raced to a 6-3 6-2 7-5 success.

Bemelmans was immediately under pressure in the opening set as Murray unleashed a barrage of powerful groundstrokes, the two-time grand slam winner breaking his opponent twice before serving out with aplomb.

Another early breakthrough got the second set off to a positive start and this time Bemelmans struggled to compete with the British number one, Murray using the lob to sensational effect as his opponent looked to mix his game up.

Wrapping up the win was not as comfortable as the 28-year-old would have liked, though, as the home favourite began to find his range, his whipped forehand particularly impressive when given the opportunity.

After Murray had saved a set point in the 10th game of the third, the decisive break came in the next as Bemelmans was broken to love to move Great Britain closer to victory.

Murray quickly accepted that opening as he hammered down some big first serves, before Bemelmans went long with a return to hand his opponent the win.

The Scot will now look to move Great Britain ahead in the doubles on Saturday, where he will be partnered by brother Jamie.