USA into Davis Cup final!

Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Andy has closed out victory for America, putting them into the Davis Cup final. Andy defeated Jonas Bjorkman in the fourth rubber 6-2, 7-6(3), 6-4.

“They put me in the position to have a chance to close. I get a lot of credit for closing. We need three wins any way we can.” – Andy gives credit to his team for giving him the chance to put America into the final.

A late replacement for Sweden this morning, as Thomas Johnasson was unable to play due to fever. However this did not deter Andy as he put on a serving exhibition to knock out Sweden in the Davis Cup semifinals.

Andy got off to a fast start on Sunday. Dictating the pace of the match, Andy won more returning points than Bjorkman won serving points in the first set. With two breaks of serve, Andy was able to go one set up early taking it 6-2.

Andy countered Bjorkman’s serve and volley tactics, with some super striking of the ball, and his passing shots off both sides made the second set very competitive. With both men serving well and pitching in a few love service games the set looked to be heading to a tie break at 6-5.

Having a last shot at the Swede’s serve before the tiebreak, Andy moved into the baseline and produced some aggressive tennis to pile the pressure on Bjorkman. The Swede threw in his second double fault of the match to give Andy a set point at 30-40. Some intelligent play by Bjorkman, produced a drop shot and then a backhand wrong footing Andy sent the set into a tie break.

Andy’s passing shots were impeccable in the second set tie break, as he made a strong start racing to a 5-0 lead. At 6-3, Andy drew Bjorkman into the net and forced the Swede to net his volley as he put the USA ahead by two sets.

“I felt like I was hitting my forehand really well – an aggressive shot. I was able to control the pace of the match with my serving.” Andy acknowledged his important weapons in the match.

With the Netheads and US fans in strong voice, Andy rided the momentum wave and at 2-2 clinched the crucial break of the set. Roaring with delight, Andy impressively consolidated the break to love with another trademark passing shot.

Serving for the match, Andy put on display his best shots of the match with a couple of aces and yet another backhand passing shot to clinch victory. Andy fell to his knees and was rather overcome by emotion as he celebrated with James and the Bryan twins.

Speaking to SKY Sports after the match, Andy said,

“I have four dreams, the US Open, no. 1, Davis Cup, I have a chance to get the third one.”

Captain Patrick McEnroe was also interviewed by Barry Cowen after the match.

“We’re excited to be back in the final.

We’re one match away. (The final) will be extremely tough. When Andy has a chance to close the door, he’s really tough to beat.

I thought after Andy won the second set he was able to open up and be more aggressive.”

In the final, the USA will play Russia, who have defeated Germany in the other semifinal. The final will be played in America.

Stay tuned to AR.com for all the reaction from the USA’s win.