Tennis: Raucous Belgians stir Murray on

Andy Murray thought the Ghent crowd's behaviour was normal for a Davis Cup match. Photo / AP

Andy Murray revelled in the football-like atmosphere of the Davis Cup final on Friday, after pulling Great Britain level at 1-1 with Belgium, despite picking up a penalty point for an obscenity.

The 28-year-old, together with Britain's captain Leon Smith, became embroiled in some lively exchanges with the umpire Carlos Ramos as the raucous home fans in the 13,000-seat arena in Ghent did their best to knock him off course against Ruben Bemelmans.

Belgium captain Johan van Herck also had words.

Murray was docked a point at 2-2 in the third set of his 6-3 6-2 7-5 victory and roared his defiance at the Belgian fans when he saved a set point at 4-5, having trailed 2-4.

Occasionally the home fans pushed the limits of fair play but Murray refused to criticise the crowd.

"I think that's kind of normal in Davis Cup, to be honest. I don't feel like they crossed the line," the world No 2 said. "I'm experienced enough now to not allow it to bother me ..."

Smith, hoping to guide Britain to their first title since 1936, has been heavily indebted to Murray's brilliance since taking over as captain, with the Scot contributing 15 of the side's 19 points since he returned to the squad in 2013.

He was full of praise for his talisman again after he cancelled out David Goffin's earlier five-set victory over British debutant Kyle Edmund.

Van Herck admitted he was very worried when world No 16 Goffin was being blown off court by Edmund before recovering to win 3-6 1-6 6-2 6-1 6-0.
- AAP