The world 175th-ranked Londoner twice came from behind in San Diego to record a remarkable five-sets victory over the 6ft 4in, 49th-ranked American, putting Britain 2-0 up in the Davis Cup World Group first-round tie following Andy Murray's decisive straight sets win over Donald Young earlier in the day.

Following Murray's crushing 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 victory over Young in the opening rubber, the US crowd would have been hoping for similar result in Querrey's "banker" against British number two, Ward.

After cruising to a 6-1 lead in the first set, Querrey went on to lose the second as Ward dug deep to level the tie with a 7-3 victory in the tie-breaker.

The momentum switched swiftly back to the American however, as he pushed on to take the third set 6-3 before snatching an early break in the fourth.

A break down and 0-40 in his third service game of the fourth, Ward looked to be out of contention.

However, an inspired turnaround saw the 26-year-old pull together an eight-game streak to take the fourth set 6-4 and sit 4-0 up in the fifth.

James Ward shocked the crowd at Petco Park in San Diego when he came from behind twice to beat Sam Querrey in five sets in the Davis Cup World Group first-round tie
©Getty Images



Ward's momentum was temporarily stifled in the fifth game as Querrey nudged a ball over the net for break point and a momentary respite from Ward's constant onslaught.

It did not last long for the American however, as Ward broke straight back before smashing home a winner to finish off the match and put Great Britain just one win away from a first Davis Cup victory over the US since 1935.

Asked if he had always believed he could fight back, Ward said: "I did.

"It's easy to say but I played him in the past and beat him in three sets.

"At one point he was serving unbelievably and I couldn't really get near him.

"I held serve from 0-40 and that was key.

"I started reading the serve a little bit better.

"It's just a great win. I dug in and gave myself a chance.

"In the end it worked."

He added: "I love playing for my country and it shows in my performance."

Andy Murray cruised to a straight sets victory over Donald Young in the opening rubber to get GB off to the perfect start in their Davis Cup encounter ©Getty Images



With just the one win needed to progress to the next round, GB captain Leon Smith could opt to rest Murray in the doubles fixture against world number one pairing Bob and Mike Bryan, knowing that a singles win over Querrey on Sunday (February 2) would be enough to ensure the victory.

As it stands, Murray is scheduled to partner Colin Fleming in the doubles fixture later today before taking on Querrey on Sunday evening, followed by Ward against Young.

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