John Isner downs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to take USA into the semis – Davis Cup WG 2012
American, John Isner, proved his mettle, as he defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France to give his country a 3-1 lead and take it to the semi-finals of the Davis Cup, World Group on Sunday.
Isner was at disadvantage as the tie was being held at the clay courts, a surface that suits French but not the aggressive Americans. However, Isner, who is in peak form these days, impressed everyone by winning the opening reverse
single in four sets 6-3, 7-6(4), 5-7, 6-3 against the world number five on the last day of the tie.
The American and Tsonga started in a steady manner, as they held their serve in the first seven games of the opener to take the score to 4-3 in the former’s favour. Isner succeeded in making a breakthrough in the eighth game and
served it out at 5-3.
Both players put on a supreme serving display in the second set, as they did not lose their serve even once, levelling the score at 6-6 and taking it to a tie-breaker. Isner grabbed two mini-breaks and capitalised on them to win
7-6(4).
The third set was similar to the first two during the early stages, as Isner and Tsonga continued to dominate on their serve in the first 10 games to take the score to 5-5. The Frenchman struck in the 11th and made the
most of it to triumph 7-5.
After losing a close third set, Isner did not get de motivated and made a great start in the fourth, striking early and attaining a 3-0 lead. The American maintained his advantage till the end, grabbing it 6-3.
Talking to the media after the match, Isner said, "[After the third set] Captain Courier told me I'm still closer to the finish line than he is. I tried to keep my foot on the gas pedal and I played a very good fourth set. Playing
matches like this on a stage like this, I really relish the moment and just try to enjoy it."
Isner was the man for America in its last tie too, when they stunned Switzerland in the first round. The 6ft 9in tall upset world number three, Roger Federer, on that occasion.
The Florida, USA resident added, "People didn't think we could beat Switzerland. I'm sure there were some people who didn't think we could beat France. The reason I played so well this weekend was because (beating) Roger (Federer)
in the first round was huge for me.”
United States face a huge task ahead in September, as they will take on defending champion, Spain, in an away tie in the semi-finals.
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