Davis Cup 2015: Murrays must click in Glasgow

Double jeopardy: the Murray brothers last played together two years ago

Andy Murray and his brother Jamie Murray pictured last year (Getty Images)

As someone who played Davis Cup doubles for Britain with his brother, John Lloyd knows all about the psychology of joining forces with a sibling to represent your country.

With Andy and Jamie Murray set to face American twins Bob and Mike Bryan in what could be the decisive rubber of next weekend’s World Group tie in Glasgow, Lloyd understands what could be going through the minds of both sets of brothers.

“It’s a special thing,” Lloyd said. “Playing Davis Cup is always very different to playing in a regular tournament, but when you’re representing your country alongside your brother, all sorts of things come into play. You can even start thinking back to your childhood together.”

The Bryans have won 22 of the 26 Davis Cup rubbers they have played together. The Murrays have competed together in the Davis Cup only once, beating Luxembourg in Jamie’s last appearance four years ago.

Brothers have met brothers in Davis Cup combat on only five occasions, one of them when John and David Lloyd beat Monaco’s Louis and Michel Borfiga in 1978.

It evokes fond memories for John, but he is concerned the Murrays have been only occasional partners, having last paired up two years ago.

“Their relationship has been a bit tense at times. When you’re that close it’s almost easy to feel let down by that person when they miss a shot. David was very much my big older brother. Jamie is older than Andy, but the age gap is much smaller so their relationship is different, especially as Andy is so much the better player. It can be difficult.”

Andy admits that playing alongside Jamie has not always been easy, but said playing in the Davis Cup was different. “I do feel a lot of pressure when I’m playing with my brother in tour events because if we lose in the first round he doesn’t make any money that week,” Andy said. “In Davis Cup you aren’t playing for ranking points and money. You’re playing to win for your country.”