Great Britain's Andy Murray takes Davis Cup semi-final into decider with win over Guido Pella

ByDan Quarrell

Updated 18/09/2016 at 16:01 GMT

Andy Murray overcame his tiredness to record a crucial Davis Cup semi-final singles victory over Argentina's Guido Pella and take the tie into a deciding rubber.

A visibly weary Murray had to leave the court for a medical timeout midway through the match, but came through superbly to record a 6-3 6-2 6-3 victory.

The Murray brothers kept the tie alive on Saturday with a vital win in the doubles and the British number one stepped up yet again to give Dan Evans the chance to win the tie for Britain in the final match against Leonardo Mayer.

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"I need a break," Murray told Eurosport courtside after the match. "I've played so much tennis the last few months. I need it now."

Evans faces Mayer after Juan Martin Del Potro was very surprisingly ruled out having been risked in Saturday's doubles.

Britain's Andy Murray reacts after his straight sets win over Argentina's Guido Pella in the Davis Cup World Group semi-final

Image credit: AFP

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Talk of Del Potro's fitness dominated the morning and somewhat overshadowed the fourth rubber with Eurosport analyst Greg Rusedski stating that his absence would be the "biggest Davis Cup surprise of all-time".

But Murray got on with business and swiftly assumed control of the clash, taking an early break in the opening set and ensuring that Pella could not force his way back.

Having suffered a gruelling five-set defeat to Del Potro in the opening singles clash and followed it up with an impressive doubles win along with his brother on Saturday, Murray had to contend with obvious tiredness.

However, the world number two's class told when it mattered and he was able to muster breaks of serve in each set to maintain control of the match throughout.

Britain's Evans now has the formidable challenge of attempting to complete a stunning comeback for the hosts against Mayer with a final berth against Croatia at stake for the defending champions.

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