Kyrgios and Djokovic on form in Davis Cup
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[April 08, 2017]
By Martyn Herman
(Reuters) - Nick Kyrgios put Australia
in a commanding position against the United States and Novak
Djokovic made a winning return to action for Serbia on
quarter-finals day in the Davis Cup on Friday.
In a clash of the two most successful nations in the competition,
Kyrgios beat American John Isner in straight sets as Australia
posted a 2-0 lead in Brisbane.
World number two Djokovic, who has struggled this year and missed
the Miami Open with an elbow injury, produced a solid performance to
beat Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-3 6-4 6-2 in Belgrade as Serbia
also moved 2-0 ahead in their tie.
A below-strength France won both opening-day games against Andy
Murray-less Britain in Rouen while Steve Darcis inspired Belgium
into a 2-0 lead over Italy in Charleroi.
Australia and the U.S. are meeting for the 47th time with the
Americans leading 26-20 overall.
But Lleyton Hewitt's side are in control after world number 79
Jordan Thompson pulled off a surprise 6-3 3-6 7-6 6-4 victory over a
wayward Jack Sock in the opening rubber.
That paved the way for Kyrgios to ease past John Isner 7-5 7-6(5)
7-6(5) in a duel of the big servers.
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"We knew it would be tough today but Jordan set the tone," the
21-year-old Kyrgios said. "He came out and played like he has played
a million of these matches."
American duo Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson will have to beat Sam
Groth and John Peers on Saturday to keep the tie alive.
Djokovic, who led Serbia to the title in 2010 since when his grand
slam haul has risen to 12, was satisfied with his form after some
question marks about the state of his game.
"I've lost my best game in the last few months, it was hard for me
to accept it after being on top for the last six years," he said.
"Today shows that I can get back to winning ways."
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![](../images/040817pics/sports61.jpg)
Australia's Nick Kyrgios hits a shot against John Isner of the USA
during their Davis Cup quarter-final match. REUTERS/Steve Holland
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Viktor Troicki brushed aside Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3 6-4 6-3 in
Friday's second singles.
Like Spain, 2015 winners Britain did not win a set in Rouen.
World number 17 Lucas Pouille, playing as France's number one in the
absence of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gael Monfils, beat Kyle Edmund 7-5
7-6(6) 6-3 before Jeremy Chardy crushed Dan Evans 6-2 6-3 6-3.
Murray is missing because of an elbow injury.
Belgium are well on the way to booking a semi-final spot after
Darcis, hero of their first-round defeat of Germany, beat Paolo
Lorenzi in four sets. David Goffin then comfortably disposed of
Andreas Seppi.
Elsewhere Cypus's Marcos Baghdatis saw his record 36-match winning
run in Davis Cup singles ended by Tunisia's Moez Echargui in a Euro
Africa Zone Group II tie.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Neil Robinson)
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