When Andy Murray beat Novak Djokovic to win Wimbledon in 2013 he became the first Brit since Fred Perry beat Gottfried von Cramm at the home of tennis 79 years before.
When Murray successfully lobbed Belgian David Goffin in Ghent last weekend, he led Great Britain to its first Davis Cup success since Perry beat Australian Jack Crawford at Wimbledon, again 79 years before.
An extraordinary coincidence and a long time between drinks – but better late than never.
Undisputed world number one Novak Djokovic rates winning the Davis Cup for Serbia in 2010 was the defining moment of his career.
“It was like winning the World Cup of tennis, the only team event we play every year for our country – the rest of the year tennis is very much an individual sport,” was Djokovic’s explanation.
“I became a better player almost overnight,” he added with nine of his 10 Slams successes after winning the Davis Cup.
Roger Federer had always treated the Davis Cup as a responsibility to represent his country, until Switzerland won for the only time in 2014.
“It was one of the most exciting times of my life,” said Federer, winner of a record 17 Slams.
Murray hopes the Davis Cup adrenalin pumps his career, currently at two Slams – the US Open in 2012, and Wimbledon 2013, beating Djokovic in both.
But there have been six losing Slam finals. He lost four Australian Opens – three to Djokovic and one to Federer – along with a Wimbledon to Federer and a US Open to Djokovic.
Murray dearly wants to break his Australian Open drought, and that’s the next Slam.
Of the big four, Djokovic has won five Australian Opens, Federer four, and Rafael Nadal one.
But Murray shares with Nadal the honour of winning Olympic singles gold – Nadal in 2008 at Beijing, Murray 2012 in London.
Barring injury, all four will be on duty in Rio de Janiero next year.
So how do the big four compare at Slam level?
Nadal with 14 Slams shows the way with 198 wins and 29 losses since he debuted in 2003.
Winning percentage 87.50.
Djokovic has won 10 Slams since he debuted in 2005, with 207 wins and 34 losses.
Winning percentage 85.89.
Federer’s won 17 Slams since be debuted in 1999, winning 297 matches with 49 losses.
Winning percentage 85.84.
Then Murray with is two Slams since deburtig in 2003, winning 153 matches, and losing 37.
Winning percentage 80.53.
But for the moment, centre stage belongs to Andy Murray and his Great Britain teammates, ending a 79-year Davis Cup drought.
Former Wimbledon champion, double grand slam winner and Australian Open finalist Garbine Muguruza has announced her retirement from tennis at the age of 30.…
Rafael Nadal has hailed the brilliance of Alex de Minaur, calling him "a great player" after the Australian forced the Spanish legend to say…
The clay season promises to be one of high level and tight margins. With the Monte Carlo open just around the corner, it will…
In incredible scenes, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz's quarter-final clash with Alexander Zverev at Indian Wells was halted abruptly due to a "bee invasion." Less…
Marathon man Jordan Thompson has finally clinched his first ATP Tour title, with the Australian upsetting Norwegian Casper Ruud to lift the trophy in…
Alex de Minaur has earned the perfect 25th birthday present, booking a place in the final of the Rotterdam Open with an emphatic revenge…
