Great Britain reached the Davis Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1986 with a brilliant win over the USA.

Andy Murray got the ball rolling with a comfortable straight-sets victory over Donald Young, before James Ward pulled off one of the biggest wins of his career by coming from behind to shock Sam Querrey.

The Bryan brothers brought the USA back into contention, but Murray finished off the job against Querrey to set up a meeting with Italy in the next round.

In the other ties, a Spanish team missing both Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer were easily brushed aside 4-1 by Germany. Roberto Bautista-Agut was given a chance to step into the breach, but failed to capitalise on his opportunity, losing in straight sets to both Daniel Brands and Philipp Kohlschreiber.

A strong French quartet of Richard Gasquet, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gael Monfils and Julien Benneteau trounced Australia, who managed to win only one set. However, there is one positive for Australia in the form of 18-year-old Nick Kyrgios, who has risen rapidly up the rankings and is sure to play a big part in Australia’s future in the competition.

Elsewhere, Japan, spearheaded by star man Kei Nishikori, beat Canada, who were missing their talisman Milos Raonic.

The Czech Republic defeated the Netherlands, while Argentina, deprived of the services of Juan Martin del Potro, bowed out against Italy, whose increased strength-in-depth will serve them well as the competition progresses.

Another country punching above their weight is Kazakhstan who, despite being without Denis Istomin, could still call upon two very solid singles players, Mikhail Kukushkin and Andrey Golubev.

Golubev also produced the most exciting win of the weekend, defeating David Goffin of Belgium 12-10 in the fifth set.

Finally, a Switzerland side led by Roger Federer and new Australian Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka saw off Serbia, who were missing stars Novak Djokovic and Janko Tipsarevic.

Alex Bowmer

Image courtesy of skysports.com