Former Davis Cup finalist John Lloyd led the tributes to Andy Murray, who ended Great Britain's 79-year wait for the famous trophy with victory over David Goffin in Ghent on Sunday.
Lloyd was part of the last Great Britain team to reach the final in 1978, when they were beaten 4-1 by the United States in California.
He told BBC Sport: "It is the most amazing achievement when you think about where we were and where we are now - champions of the world.
"Andy's performance was staggering, to go up against this crowd and to win in three straight sets - it's just tremendous.
"Hopefully we will use this now, we're the holders and we've got to inspire more players in Britain. When they see this event, surely people will be inspired by it."
The legacy of the victory was also touched on by fellow commentator and former Davis Cup player Andrew Castle, who played 13 times in the competition between 1986 and 1990.
Castle said: "(The responsibility) is to take this success and to spread it and share it and learn from it and tell people about it - and broadcast the message that this is great fun and a sport for life.
"If you've got the Davis Cup on the back of a truck, take it round and show it off - it was hard won."
Politicians were quick to pay tribute to Murray and his team-mates, with sports minister Tracey Crouch saying: " The British Davis Cup team have made the country proud with this brilliant, historic victory.
"Congratulations to Leon Smith, the players and all those involved at the LTA. This win gives a massive boost to British Tennis and I hope the LTA can capitalise on it and bring even more people into the sport."
Crouch's comments were echoed by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who tweeted: "Congratulations @andy_murray and the whole of the @BritishTennis team on your remarkable #DavisCup victory. A truly historic moment."
Among fellow sports stars paying tribute was Gary Lineker, who tweeted: "Britain wins the Davis Cup for the first time in almost 80 years. Perhaps now we can give @andy_murray the credit and plaudits he deserves."
Manchester United were quick to claim Murray's brother and doubles team-mate Jamie as one of their own, commenting on their official Twitter feed: "Congratulations to the Great Britain team, including #mufc fan @Jamie_Murray, on winning the @DavisCup for the first time since 1936!"
And Apprentice star and former Tottenham chairman Sir Alan Sugar led the inevitable calls for further reward for Murray by tweeting: "Andy Murray for a Knighthood #sirandy"
Source: PA
