Murray brothers carry Britain to brink of Davis Cup semi-final

LONDON (Reuters) - Brothers Andy and Jamie Murray carried Britain to the brink of a Davis Cup semi-final berth after they beat France in the doubles rubber to take a 2-1 lead ahead of Sunday's reverse singles.

Andy shrugged off a hip injury following a tumble on the slick grass as the Murray brothers registered a 4-6 6-3 7-6(5) 6-1 victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Nicolas Mahut at a sun-kissed Queen's Club in west London.

There had been some doubts whether the picturesque venue, renowned for being prim and proper, was the correct choice for hosting a Davis Cup tie.

However, a raucous crowd, draped in Union Jack flags and face paint, fervently roared on the Scottish brothers.

A nervous Britain were off the pace in the opening set and surrendered the early lead but, thereafter, were dominant and completed victory when Jamie smashed past his stranded opponents.

"I thought both of us served well apart from the first game when I was broken I don't believe they had any break point until Jamie's last service game," a fired up Andy told the BBC.

Andy received treatment to his groin and hip following a slip during the third set but the double grand slam champion said he should be fit to compete in Sunday's singles.

"It's sore but there's only one more match then I can rest after that," the 28-year-old added.

"I'll get patched-up and hopefully put on another good performance. They have such a strong team and I'll need to play great tennis to win."

Britain just need to win one of two singles matches against a strong French team -- which also includes Gilles Simon and Wimbledon semi-finalist Richard Gasquet -- to reach their first Davis Cup semi-final since 1981.

The winners will face either Kazakhstan or Australia in the semi-finals in September.

(Reporting By Tom Hayward)