Almagro defeats Isner in 5, Spain takes 2-0 lead

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Almagro defeats Isner in 5, Spain takes 2-0 lead

9/14/12 8:04 PM | Cheryl Murray
Nicolas Almagro withstood a valiant effort from American John Isner to give Spain the second rubber in Friday's semifinal tie.

After failing to convert on three match points, Spain's Nicolas Almagro closed out an epic 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 over big-serving John Isner.

This match had plenty of drama, but the quality of the tennis wasn't top-notch. In fact, except for his serve, Isner played dismal clay-court tennis in the first two sets. He was able to win the second set simply because Almagro helped him out by donating a horrendous service game of his own to give Isner the only break of the set.

Isner made up some ground in the fourth set. He fought hard and capitalized on a let-down of the Almagro serve. He continued to dig his way out of trouble with his first serve, a testament to his fighting spirit.

Isner continued to put in the effort in the fifth. Almagro earned three match points with Isner serving at 4-5, but the American fought them off. He wasn't as fortunate in the 12th game of the set, in which Almagro finally got the break to take the rubber.

Spain goes into Saturday's doubles showdown up 2-0, a lead they needed as Bob and Mike Bryan will be prohibitive favorites over Marc Lopez and Marcel Granollers.

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Comments

decent match, far from epic

MASSIVE win for Almagro, though

RickyDimon , 9/15/12 1:07 AM

Way to stick with it, Nico. You're the one with all the clay titles.

Doubles should be interesting - the new Young Lions against the Winningest Doubs Team Evah ...

mara002 , 9/15/12 9:36 AM

there's nothing "young" about Lopez and Granollers!

RickyDimon , 9/15/12 2:54 PM

Congrats to Almagro - he came through for Spain against a big opponent and he deserves credit for that.

There might be nothing young about Lopez and Granollers but they are the younger guns in terms of doubles experience IMO. I am sure the Bryans will prevail as they are doubles veterans and no doubt the best on the tour.

Vamos Spain & good luck.

schatz , 9/15/12 4:46 PM

Isner might have run out of magic...if Querrey somehow beats Almagro I can't see him beating Ferrer :(

ts38 , 9/15/12 6:20 PM

Isner and Ferrer are playing first

Querrey and Almagro would only play after that if Isner wins

RickyDimon , 9/15/12 6:33 PM

Bob and Mike Bryan are the best weapons the US team has. Well done to them.

cherylmurray , 9/15/12 7:38 PM

Yes but 1 point isnt enough to win a best of 5 tie Isner will now lose to Ferrer who will have had almost 48 hours rest when he plays his next match even if Isner can some how beat Ferrer even then Querrey will lose to Almagro.

tennis2011 , 9/15/12 9:02 PM

Congratulations to the Bryans today - winningest doubles team in the Open Era.

mara002 , 9/15/12 10:16 PM

The little beast mauls Izzy, as expected................Spain thru.

rafaisthebest , 9/16/12 3:14 PM

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