Andy opened USA’s Davis Cup Title campaign with an aggressive win over Russia’s Dmitry Tursunov, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2. It was exactly the match Andy and Team USA had been hoping for.

The pair traded holds through the first four games before Andy broke the Russian. Naturally drawing from the crowd’s enthusiasm, Andy encouraged the US supporters with hand gestures throughout the set. With his dominating 10 aces and 18 winners in the first set alone, Andy made it clear from the get-go that he meant business.
It took six set points in a game that included several Hawkeye challenges and a 146mph ace, but Andy held steady and clinched the first set 6-4.

The crowd was electric at the Memorial Coliseum, with a variety of fans from an enthusiastic individual sporting a full Captain America costume to the legendary Billy Jean King herself. Noisemakers, cowbells and drums among other unusual sounds echoed throughout the arena. The USA bench was brimming with support as Blake, Fish, Ginepri, Isner, Young and The Bryans cheered on their teammate.

At 1-1 in the second set, Andy immediately put pressure on Tursunov. After five break point opportunities, Andy sealed another break for 2-1. Roddick was quick on his feet to open his lead to 3-1. At 4-3, an unfortunate double fault gave Tursunov his first break point opportunity of the match. Andy clocked a 143 mph serve to level the game at deuce. Two consecutive aces earned Andy 5-3 after which he shot a signature grin to the team bench. At 5-4 James Blake left the sidelines to start preparing for his go at Youzhny. Firing on all cylinders and serving consistently over 140 mph, Andy polished of the second set 6-4 with an ace.

At the opening of the third set the stadium announcer encouraged fans to “Get Up and Make Some Noise,” and the Coliseum did just that with a few minutes of hearty, bellowing cheers as Andy walked towards the baseline. Andy heard the fans loud and clear, immediately breaking Tursunov for 1-0, and vigorously pumping his fist as he jogged to the other side of the court. The two traded holds, but at 3-1 Andy broke Tursunov again for a commanding 4-1. Riding a wave of confidence and the momentum of the crowd, Andy held for 5-1. After a little under two hours, Andy found himself one win closer to his child hood dream, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.

Next up James Blake will take on Mikail Youzhny. Go Team USA!