Andy Murray thumps Thanasi Kokkinakis as Great Britain go 1-0 up in semi-final

Murray, the British number one, said before proceedings started in Glasgow that he was a great admirer of the 19-year-old world number 72 and “really liked” him, but he showed Kokkinakis no mercy to give Britain a 1-0 lead.

Kokkinakis produced some superb shots in the opening exchanges in front of a vociferous crowd of more than 8,000 in Glasgow’s Emirates Arena. But Murray broke him for 4-2 in the opening set, finishing with a fourth love hold in five games.

His dominance only grew in the second set as the Scot reeled off six successive games to take a commanding two-set lead, with Kokkinakis wilting in the face of the world number three’s exceptional quality and control.

When Murray broke again for 2-1 in the third set the game was taken away from Kokkinakis, with the Glasgow crowd revelling in the dazzling array of shots from their local man, who put Britain in control ahead of the second singles rubber on Friday between Dan Evans and Bernard Tomic.

It was Murray's 24th singles win in 26 Davis Cup matches and undoubtedly one of his finest performances, with the Scot benefiting from his early exit at the US Open to reach an incredible level.

Britain are aiming to reach their first Davis Cup final since 1978.

"It was a huge match and I'm glad I managed to put on a good performance," Murray said. "The crowd was excellent from first to last and we need the same for Dan in the next match. He has an opportunity but he needs all the support.

"I was hitting the ball cleanly and I didn't give him any opportunities on my serve. It is different being part of the team and representing your country, I love it, it is a proud moment.

"Dan needs to be aggressive and use his game. He will make it difficult for Bernard Tomic, he has beaten him once before."