Tennis: Murray ends Britain's 34-year wait to make Davis Cup semis

London

Andy Murray clinched Great Britain's first Davis Cup semi-final berth for 34 years as the world number three's gritty victory against Gilles Simon gave his country an unassailable 3-1 lead on Sunday.

 Murray defied the aches and pains assailing his body after playing for three successive days at Queen's Club to grind out a 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3, 6-0 quarter-final success.

 The Scot's 23rd win from 25 Davis Cup singles matches secured a first victory over old rivals France since 1978 and took Britain back to the last four for the first time since 1981.

 It was a herculean three hour and 26 minute effort from the exhausted Murray and, having ended Britain's 77-year wait for a homegrown male winner of the Wimbledon singles title in 2013, he now has his sights on another memorable milestone.

 After wiping away some tears of joy, Murray, who won both singles matches and the doubles with brother Jamie, said: "It feels unbelievable to get through. I used up my last ounces of energy.

 "It wasn't looking good in the second set. I was making too many mistakes but I didn't care how I played. I just wanted to win. "The whole weekend been fantastic. This team has done amazing things. We are punching above our weight."

 Britain haven't won the Davis Cup since 1936 and their last final appearance came in 1978, but they have a golden opportunity to end those barren runs this year.

 Britain will host Australia in the last four in September, with a final showdown against Belgium or Argentina awaiting if they see off Lleyton Hewitt and company.