Tomic hits back for Australia after Isner win

Belinda Weber
12:48, Mar 4, 2016
Copyright 2015 All rights reserved. This material can't be published, transferred, copied or redistributed.
Copyright 2015 All rights reserved. This material can't be published, transferred, copied or redistributed.

In the opening match of the day, John Isner took one hour and 52 minutes to give the USA the lead with a 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2 win over Sam Groth on the grass courts of the Melboune city.

But the American had all the answers in the tiebreak, lifting a gear against the Australian and carrying the momentum through the second and third sets as Groth's challenge wilted; Isner's 20 aces and 67 per cent first-service percentage proving too strong. The tie is well poised heading into Saturday's pivotal doubles rubber with the Americans looking to edge ahead through the Bryan brothers, Bob and Mike, against a yet-to-be determined Australian combination.

Tomic broke Sock's serve in the ninth game of the fourth set, then clinched the match in the next game through four consecutive points.

Isner said his victory in 33 Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) conditions could cause more mental than physical damage to the Australian.

The 34-year-old former world number one called time on his playing career at the Australian Open but will replace Australia's ailing Nick Kyrgios for the tie starting on Friday at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from around 1pm (AEDT), following the first rubber between Sam Groth and John Isner.

The veteran takes over from his countryman who has been battling illness and a back injury in the singles draw alongside Bernard Tomic.

"Bernie stepped up. It's never easy after going down 1-0", Australia team captain Lleyton Hewitt said courtside. "But on the flip-side, maybe not so much". "My body feels good, and I feel like I've played good doubles in Davis Cup in the past, and John and I have been playing well in practice", he said.

"I thought I played exceptional tennis in the second and third sets".

The Bryans have won 16 Grand Slam doubles titles and have a 23-4 record in Davis Cup.

The victor of this tie faces either Belgium or Croatia in July's quarter-finals.

"Bob and Mike seem to be at an advantage in the historical count of doubles in Davis Cup, but every day is a different day", Courier said. "They've played awfully well".

Groth and the inexperienced Peers have been earmarked to lock horns against the intimidating duo, but teams can change players up to an hour before play.

Turkish police kill 2 women after attack on police station
One police officer was wounded in the arm amid reports that one of the attackers was also injured in ensuing clashes with police. It joined forces with the United States and the European Union in armed rebellion against the state more than three decades ago.

Copyright 2015 All rights reserved. This material can't be published, transferred, copied or redistributed.


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