Andy Murray produced his brilliant best on day one of the Davis Cup semi-final in Glasgow.
But the home hero will have to do it twice more if Great Britain are to make it through to the country’s first final in 37 years.
Murray put Australia’s star of the future, Thanasi Kokkinakis, to the sword in three straight sets (6-3, 6-0, 6-3) without ever being troubled.
But Bernard Tomic defeated Dan Evans in the second rubber, albeit after the Englishman took him to four (6-3, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4), to level the contest.
Had Murray been dragged further in his match it would have cast doubt on his participation in today’s pivotal doubles clash.
But his defeat of Kokkinakis in less than two hours makes the partnership with brother Jamie against Sam Groth and Lleyton Hewitt a near certainty.
Murray said: ‘It isn’t my decision. It’s up to the captain to decide that.
“You know, obviously now I have the option to be picked because that match was quick. We’ll talk about it this evening.
“I think everyone in the team wants to play. I mean, everyone wants to try to help where they can.
‘Ultimately, the decision is up to the captain and the players go on the court with a job to do, when they get out there.”
GB captain Leon Smith was reluctant to confirm that the Murray brothers will be given the nod, but it will be a big shock if they aren’t.
He said: “There was no time to talk about it with Andy after he finished his match. We’ll touch base and then make a decision quite quickly.
“Whichever combination goes out there, we should be confident.”
World number three Murray thrived on the raucous Emirates Arena atmosphere, producing his best tennis and not conceding a single break point in a one-sided affair.
“Obviously it gives you a lift,” he said. “It’s a big occasion and to have the support behind you makes a huge difference.
“The last time we played here was extremely loud and, again today, the support was fantastic. They made loads of noise from the first point to the last.
“Having held a Davis Cup tie here before helps. The crowd sort of understand exactly what it’s all about and they know they can really get into it. They were excellent again during my match.”
Brother Jamie is one of the form doubles players in the world, having got to the final at Wimbledon and, just a week ago, the US Open.
“He’s made just huge improvements in his game this year, and the Davis Cup matches he’s played have really helped,” Andy said.
“Playing against top players in front of big crowds have shown him he can hang in with them and beat some of the best.
“He’s worked so hard and dedicated himself to the game. He’s taking it as seriously as he ever has and his results have got better because of that.”
Evans was a late call-up by Smith, and the skipper believes that the first day experience will stand him in good stead should the semi come down to his fifth and final match tomorrow.
Smith said: “Importantly, it got Dan’s level to where we know it can be. Dan was getting stronger and stronger and the game gives him sharpness which will help us if needed on Sunday.”