Andy Murray understands Davis Cup travel security fears

Andy Murray said he understands if British fans decide not to travel to the Davis Cup final in Belgium due to the ongoing security alert in Brussels.

The British team arrived in Ghent yesterday ahead of the historic tie which is due to start on Friday.

About 1,000 British fans are expected to travel to Belgium for the three-day event, with many thought to be staying in Brussels, about 30 miles from Ghent.

Soldiers and police have been patrolling the streets of the Belgian capital since the weekend, with the metro, schools and attractions closed over fears of a Paris-style attack.

The British team, which is bidding to win the team tennis title for the first time since 1936, delayed their journey to Belgium by a day earlier this week.

Speaking at a press conference in Ghent, Murray said: "It's not for me to give people advice on security. That isn't my thing. But obviously it's a different situation in Brussels than it is here.

"I know a lot of fans were staying there and planning on travelling through there. Obviously listen to the right people if you're doing that.

"But here in Ghent, everything seems fine. It's very quiet. I think it's a really nice city. Yeah, I hope as many fans can travel over as possible to give us the best support.

"Obviously I understand if people make another decision because of what's been happening in Brussels. Like I said, a lot of people are travelling through there."

Andy's brother Jamie said he never thought about pulling out of the event.

"I was always planning on coming and playing," he said.

"Obviously things had happened that made it a bit more concerning. But, you know, we're here. We're training, it's business as normal and ready to play on Friday."

Two-time Grand Slam champion Murray praised the British side's security team.

He said: "I've been saying to a lot of people over the last few days, at the ties you think everything is fine, and the security, you don't necessarily need it. But in situations like this, it's great we have such capable people that are able to give us the best advice.

"Everyone, I think, is very comfortable in the team. It was obviously a bit concerning a few days ago.

"I think once we got here and got into the hotel, came to the venue and saw what it was like here, I think that made everyone a lot more comfortable."

Team captain Leon Smith said: "The most important thing is that we're here now.

"Our main focus, as it should be, is now making sure all the players are ready to do their very, very best at the weekend."