After Great Britain booked a semi-final showdown with Australia in the Davis Cup semi-finals, Andy Murray said he would do everything he can to play.

Murray – mentally and physically fatigued after a gruelling period that has seen him reach the semi-finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon – played through the pain barrier to defeat France’s Gilles Simon on Sunday and secure Britain’s first last-four appearance since 1981.

He would usually take time off to recover after the grand slams but his commitment to the cause saw him win two singles matches – and the doubles with brother Jamie – to give Britain a 3-1 win over France on Sunday.

• Lleyton Hewitt seals famous Davis Cup victory
• Hewitt and Groth show brat pack how it’s done
• Kyrgios dumped for Groth in Davis Cup rubber

It was the first time two brothers have single-handedly won a World Group tie since 1998 as Britain, who have not won the Davis Cup since 1936, booked a meeting against Australia, who beat Kazakhstan 3-2 in Darwin.

Their home showdown with Australia will take place from September 18-20, just a week after the US Open finishes, and Murray is adamant he will play even if he goes deep in the New York grand slam.

Australia needed veteran Lleyton Hewitt to drag them over the line against Kazakhstan. Photo: Getty

“We are in the semi-finals now and every match is going to be extremely important. I think I will find a way (to play),” he said.

“I’ll do it because I believe we can win. Also because I love the team and the people around it.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing Davis Cup but right now we are in the World Group playing in big matches against fantastic players. It’s hard not to get up for that.

“Obviously it does come at a price. I would have taken 10 days off after Wimbledon, but the memories of the unbelievable atmosphere you have in the Davis Cup, you don’t get that in other matches.”

Murray’s respect for the group built by British captain Leon Smith over the last five years inspired him to one of the most tenacious wins of his glittering career.

After finally seeing off world number 11 Simon, Murray collapsed into his chair and wiped away tears of joy.

“You can’t control your emotions, so it was good to let it out. It’s been a tough 10 days,” Murray said.

Although Australia boast a strong squad including former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt, rising stars Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis and big-serving Sam Groth, Murray is confident Britain have a good chance of making the final.

“It’s a very good achievement for everyone. When you look at history and see how long its been since we’ve been there, that gives you an idea how difficult it is,” he said.

“We had Tim (Henman) and Greg (Rusedski) for many years and never won a World Group match.

“To win two is fantastic and we obviously go into the match in September with an opportunity as well.”

– AFP