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3/7/10 5:16 AM | Ricky Dimon
Novak Djokovic and John Isner will square off in the fourth Serbia-USA Davis Cup rubber on Saturday afternoon. Isner kept the tie alive with a victory in doubles, but Djokovic can clinch a quarterfinal spot for Serbia.
Despite seeing Mike Bryan come down with food poisoning on Friday night, the United States won Saturday's doubles rubber to extend its first-round Davis Cup tie against Serbia. Bob Bryan teamed up with replacement John Isner to defeat Nenad Zimonjic and Janko Tipsarevic 7-6(8), 5-7, 7-6(8), 6-3 in three hours and six minutes.
Having won Friday's two singles matches, the host Serbians still lead the tie 2-1. They can finish the job on Sunday afternoon when Novak Djokovic takes on Isner for the first time in their careers.
Djokovic is coming off a 6-2, 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-3 victory over Sam Querrey, which gave Serbia a 2-0 lead following Viktor Troicki's four-set win over Isner. The world No. 2 continued his fine form that was on display last week in Dubai, where he successfully defended an ATP title for the first time in his career.
Although Isner could not quite pull out a win over Troicki, he is playing outstanding tennis right now. Up to a career-high ranking of No. 20 in the world, Isner won his first career ATP title in Auckland, reached the fourth round of the Australian Open, and finished runner-up to Querrey at the recent 500-point event in Memphis.
"I think the doubles is going to help John a lot," said U.S. captain Patrick McEnroe. "The fact he has two matches under his belt now, I think we’re going to see him play his best tennis. Obviously it’s a very tough match against Novak, but we’re looking forward to it."
The Serbian fans are surely looking forward to it as well, hoping to see their team reach the Davis Cup quarterfinals for the first time ever. Isner will play without fear, but the clay surface and a pro-Djokovic crowd should be too much to overcome.
Look for Djokovic to clinch the tie in straight sets, with one or two ending in tiebreakers.
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Isner played his heart out, but it wasn't enough unfortunately. The expression on his face after the match pretty much said everything. There's no doubt Isner wears his heart on his sleeve. Might take him a few days to get this loss out of his system, but I think the loss to Djokovic will teach him some very important lessons. He still has a long way to go, and a lot more improvements to make, despite being a top 20 player now.
I do wonder when, if ever, the U.S. players will take the initiative of becoming better players on clay. Hopefully sooner, rather than later. Congrats Srbija, you won ONE freaking round!!! I look forward to a rematch with Spain..............and another loss to them.
djb84xi , 3/7/10 8:06 PM
@djb84xi
:))),
Serbia will next play Spain in Serbia. So, look for the fast hardcourt and again, crazy atmosphere :)).
As for Isner - this was his first Davis Cup showing. Even though he lost two matches I am sure it was a great experience that enriched him as a player. He said on Friday that the audience and noise was bothering him. But those are the conditions under which the Davis Cup matches are played. He must get accustomed to that, specially if team USA plays on foreign soil. Also, his great match against Nole must be a boost for his confidence. And guess what! Suddenly, he is one hela good player on clay! :)
I still can't believe Americans were in Belgrade and I watched them!! :)) (although while living in California, never really had the opportunity to go and see a match :( )
danica , 3/8/10 12:46 AM
Serbia will next play Croatia, with the site determined by a coin flip
France will host Spain
RickyDimon , 3/8/10 1:40 AM
Ricky, I know, sorry, I put my words badly. I meant to say: "WHEN Serbia plays Spain next time it would be...".
I know we are facing Croatia next. They said yesterday it would be in Split (Ivanisevic's hometown). Porec was also mentioned.
danica , 3/8/10 10:10 AM
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Isner! Isner! Cant believe i am cheering for this guy! i had a rule that i wont ever cheer of tall serve monsters! But some commentators seems to be convincing that isner is more than just that. true?
FEDistheGOAT , 3/7/10 6:49 PM