Youzhny Closes Good Day For Russia

Mikhail Youzhny continued his great form from the US Open and played some excellent tennis to give Russia a 2-0 lead over the USA with a 7-5, 1-6, 6-1, 7-5 victory over James Blake.James got off to a good start and had his chances in the first set before ultimatey Youzhny took charge to go one set up. But James continued battling hard with the Netheads cheering him on and he effectively silenced the Russian crowd with a 6-1 set to level the match.However, Youzhny wasn’t down for long and he came back firing on all cylinders, with his backhand especially impressive. He took the third set 6-1 and battled hard to clinch the fourth set from James who refused to give in.It was a gutsy performance on clay by James, but Youzhny was just too good on the day and that result now leaves the USA having to win the remaining three rubbers this weekend.

It’s a long – but not impossible – road back and it starts tomorrow with the doubles. The Bryans will take on Tursunov and Youzhny and go into the match having only ever lost one Davis Cup doubles rubber.

It’s not over yet: Go USA!