Murray digs deep at Davis Cup to give Britain lead over Holland

The Davis Cup has a new format but Andy Murray's old love of a comeback remains intact after the Scot battled from behind to avoid a shock defeat by Holland's Tallon Griekspoor on Wednesday.

Murray came from a set down and then trailed 4-1 in the decider in Madrid before beating the spirited Griekspoor, ranked 179 in the world, 6-7 (7/9), 6-4, 7-6 (7/5).

A scrappy victory gave Great Britain the lead in their opening Group E tie ahead of the second singles rubber between Dan Evans and Robin Haase, and then a third match in the doubles.

Murray had given short shrift on Tuesday to those he believes have been too quick to criticise the revamped Davis Cup, which for the first time is featuring all 18 World Group countries competing for the trophy across a single week in one venue.

And in what will be music to the ears of the organisers, among them Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique, Murray was full of praise for the atmosphere inside the Caja Magica's cosy Stadium 3.

"The atmosphere was brilliant," Murray said afterwards.

"That was the one concern I had about the event, about it being on neutral ground, but it was great."
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"I didn't know much about his game."