Murray says Britain showing anything is possible

— -- Gone may be the days where Andy Murray has to bear the weight of British expectation solely on his shoulders.

For the first time since December 1977, when John Lloyd and Sue Barker both reached the last four in Melbourne, Britain will be represented in the men's and women's singles semifinals of a Grand Slam at the Australian Open.

Murray faces a last-four clash against Milos Raonic with brother Jamie one match away from a third consecutive major doubles final, while Johanna Konta became the first British woman to reach a Grand Slam semifinal for 33 years.

"It shows that anything is possible having the right people around you and the right attitude and the right work ethic," Murray told a press conference after beating David Ferrer. 

"It's been a great tournament so far, and hopefully we can all keep going. It's unlikely that everyone is going to win the events, but to be in this position is great.

"It's really, really good for tennis on the back of the end of last year with the Davis Cup as well. Extremely positive. Just got to try and capitalize on it."

After inspiring Britain's extraordinary Davis Cup victory in November, Murray criticised the Lawn Tennis Association over a failure to bring through young players on home shores.

But this is the first time since 1935 that Britain has representatives in the last four of three different events at a major tournament.

Asked if he thought he would ever see such a feat, Murray said:  "I mean, probably not. It's not something I thought about really, to be honest.

"What's happened with Jo I think has come as a surprise to everyone. The rise she's made over the last nine or 10 months has been fantastic.

"Yeah, maybe when I think Laura Robson made second week of Wimbledon once, made the fourth round, and had an opportunity there that you start thinking that it's possible.  But it's pretty good for us to have people competing in almost all of the competitions.

"Unfortunately Jamie lost in the mixed today, but Gordon Reid had a great win as well today against the No.1 in the world [Shingo Kunieda in the wheelchair singles] who they told me has only lost like once here in the last 10 years.

"So, yeah, it's been a good Australian Open so far. Hopefully we can keep it going."

Murray also backed Konta to beat Angelique Kerber and reach the women's final.

"She's done incredible. Another very comfortable and solid win today. Not easy either," he added.

"She was probably expected to win that one. She created that opportunity. It's not like it was lucky that she was playing someone [ranked] 140 in the quarters. She created that chance by beating the seeds in her bit, and she deserves to be where she is.

"Obviously tough match in the semis, but great to be in that position. She's playing that level, in my opinion. Everything from the end of last year would suggest that she'll be very competitive in that match.

"Kerber will be nervous, too. Never been to a final, so it will be a tough but interesting match."