Andy Murray propelled Great Britain into their first Davis Cup final for 37 years with a straight-sets win over Australian number one Bernard Tomic in Glasgow.
Murray produced a 7-5 6-3 6-2 triumph over the world number 23 to send Britain into an unassailable 3-1 lead and ensure they will face Belgium or Argentina in the final on November 27-29 as they seek to win the tournament for the first time since 1936.
Just as he was during Friday’s demolition of Thanasi Kokkinakis, Murray was on top form as he treated about 8,000 fans at the Emirates Arena to an outstanding array of shots.
The Olympic champion has now helped Britain to their last seven Davis Cup points – along with brother Jamie – to see off the United States, France and now the Australians.
Murray had endured four hours on court alongside his brother before seeing off Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Groth in the doubles, but he could not have started any better as he launched two aces in his first three points.
The Scot only lost one point in his first two service games and broke in Tomic’s second, winning his third break point when a deep, high shot put the Australian on the back foot before he sent a backhand into the net.
It was not entirely plain sailing. Murray was broken as he served for the set, after initially saving a break point he double-faulted and was then wide with a backhand to hand Tomic a way back into the set.
But the reprieve did not last long. Murray set up three break-points in the next game and finished Tomic off with a deft backhand drop shot.
The world number three strengthened his grip in the fourth game of the second set, producing some magnificent defence work to return shots that were hard enough just to reach, and Tomic cracked when he smashed into the net to set up two break points.
Murray only needed one as his opponent this time sent a backhand into the net, and the British number one went on to see out the set by confidently serving to love.
He soon broke to love to take control of the third set and he swept to victory in style.
He went 4-2 ahead thanks to two audacious drop shots in succession followed by an ace to leave Tomic looking utterly broken.
The Australian was duly broken in the next game and Murray wrapped up the victory when Tomic was wide with a return of serve.
Britain will face Argentina at home or Belgium away with the pair locked at 2-2 on their final day.
Murray said on court: “I’m obviously delighted to get through. We knew it would be an incredibly difficult match to win, Australia have great depth and experience.
“We fought extremely hard, everyone played their part in the team and I’m glad to finish it off today.
“It’s been a very tough weekend for me physically, and mentally it’s draining in as well.”
On the prospect of winning the trophy, Murray said: “It would be an incredible achievement. There’s a long way to go and two incredibly difficult teams in front of us.
“It would be nice if Argentina could get through and we could play the final at home.”