Bryan Brothers Give U.S. Edge Over Australia

Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan have given the United States a 2-1 edge over Australia in their first-round Davis Cup tie after a clutch five-set win over Lleyton Hewitt and John Peers in Melbourne.

Making his debut as Davis Cup captain, Hewitt temporarily ended his recent retirement to play the doubles rubber after replacing an injured Nick Kyrgios in the four-man Aussie squad. Hewitt didn’t disappoint home fans with a spirted returning display – particularly on the backhand wing – and combined with Peers to push the Bryans to the limit.

Coming into the tie without a title in 2016, the Bryans were lacking some of their normal confidence. But Bob produced one of his best returning displays and Mike was sharp at net in the 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3 win on grass at the historic Kooyong venue in suburban Melbourne.