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Davis Cup: Great Britain v USA Day Three Preview and News

By Geoff Nichols

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Davis Cup: Great Britain v USA Day Three Preview and News

Day three of the Davis Cup World Group first round tie between Great Britain and the United States is set to decide the destination of the tie after Mike and Bob Bryan fought admirably to set the scores finely poised at 2-1 heading into the reverse singles.

It will no doubt be an emotional and passion-filled environment for both sets of players on Sunday and the Glasgow crowd have really added to the spectacle. As is Davis Cup tradition, the number one singles players from both sides will play first on Sunday, followed by the fifth and final match, which could be the decider or a dead rubber.

Day Three – Sunday 8th March

Play starts at 1pm GMT

Andy Murray (GBR) v John Isner (USA)

It was hard not to sympathise for John Isner after a crushing defeat to James Ward on Friday after he looked to be cruising to victory. The length of the five set encounter will surely have taken some energy from the American, although if his serve is firing he maybe able to conserve his fitness.

Andy Murray will be high on confidence and belief after seeing Ward battle past Isner, but if the match becomes close his losses over the last couple of weeks, where he has struggled for timing and consistency, could enter his head in such a tense environment.

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Isner really must come out hot if he is to set the cat amongst the pigeons and get Murray and also the crowd doubting themselves. He comes across as a little bit of a gentle giant but he might do well to abandon this nice guy persona for Davis Cup ties.

I think that assuming Murray can handle the occasion, then he goes into the match as heavy favourite. The court surface is slow and this is a clear ploy for the British side to play to his strengths in defence. I still expect a few nervy tie-breaks and Isner has the weapons to make it close.

James Ward (GBR) v Donald Young (USA)

James Ward openly admitted that he was running on empty when watching the doubles on Saturday and fair enough after his efforts the night before to beat Isner. He could well be required to display more heroics on Sunday as his match against Donald Young will be a live rubber if Isner beats Murray.

Young looked to find his rhythm in the third set of his match against Murray

Young looked to find his rhythm in the third set of his match against Murray and if he can produce that level again then he will go in as favourite, especially against a tired Ward. If the tie comes down to this match both men will be acutely aware of the pressure and I would be interested to see how Young deals with that.

Teams

Great BritainUnited States
1: Andy Murray (3)1: John Isner (20)
2: James Ward (108)2: Donald Young (45)
3: Jamie Murray (31, doubles)3: Bob Bryan (1, doubles)
4: Dom Inglot (41, doubles)4: Mike Bryan (1, doubles)
Captain: Leon SmithCaptain: Jim Courier

It is sure to be a tense finale to a stellar Davis Cup tie that has served to remind us of how passionate people are for tennis. The winner will go on to play France in the next round after they took an unassailable 3-0 over Germany, with Great Britain assured of a home tie against Monfils and co if Murray can beat Isner on Sunday.

Be sure to keep an eye on Lob and Smash for the latest Davis Cup action as the first round ties that will reach their conclusion on Sunday.

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Next: Will Stan Wawrinka be a one slam wonder?

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