The US team has beat all the odds as it achieved a surprising qualification into the Davis Cup semifinals and it was one particular player who has done the damage, namely the Giant John Isner. Facing Roger Federer's Switzerland on their home claycourts in Fribourg, the Americans started as the underdogs. However, an inspired Isner produced the shocker, bringing in the decisive point after surprisingly beating Federer in four sets.
The victory rekindled an old flame in Isner and, when their next opponents chose the claycourts of Monte Carlo as the venue for their clash, the crush evolved into a genuine love affair. In a time when the red dirt has allegedly become faster than grass, it should come as no surprise that big servers like Isner feel more at ease on this surface. He showed just how well his game suits the clay when dealing with the French. Being once more the star of the American squad he recorded a straight sets success over Gilles Simon in the first day, to then score decisively after succumbing home nation's number 1, the exuberant Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, in four acts. Courtesy of his wins, Jim Courier's team got an unexpected date with defending champions Spain in the last four. With the tie being held abroad, it is expected that the Spanish will pick their favourite surface, giving John another chance to shine on clay. It remains to be seems how will the American respond to the challenge, the Spaniard being renowned for their claycourt mastership.
Nevertheless, with an impressive tally of big wins under his belt, Isner's season is starting to catch momentum. He is definitely building a strong reputation on clay that indicates him as a fierce contestant for next month's Roland Garros crown.
photo: GETTY IMAGES
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