Isner Levels USA With France; Spain Leads Austria 2-0

© AFP/Getty ImagesNicolas Almagro won his opening rubber for Spain on Friday.

A round-up of the two Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group quarter-final ties on Friday.

SPAIN 2, AUSTRIA 0
Clay, Outdoors - Castellon, Spain

David Ferrer gave defending champion Spain a commanding 2-0 lead against Austria, rolling past Andreas Haider-Maurer 6-1, 6-3, 6-1. Ferrer converted seven service breaks to wrap up the win in 86 minutes.

“I won relatively easily and am happy with my game today,” said Ferrer. “Maybe my opponent made some mistakes. I played very solid and consistent. I served good in the important moments.”

Nicolas Almagro cruised in the opening rubber, dismissing Jurgen Melzer 6-2, 6-2, 6-4. Almagro did not face a break point, winning 86 per cent of his first serve points. He broke the Austrian five times to claim victory in one hour and 56 minutes.

“I think I played one of my best matches in Davis Cup,” declared Almagro. “I had to fight for every point and I think I was more focused than him. I beat a great player in a great competition like Davis Cup so I’m very happy.”

FRANCE 1, UNITED STATES 1
Clay, Outdoors - Roquebrune Cap Martin, France

John Isner levelled the United States with France 1-1 following his 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 victory over Gilles Simon. Isner cracked 30 forehand winners and saved all five break points against his serve to improve to 3-0 against the Frenchman.

“I don’t mind playing on clay. I feel my serve is good enough to hold on any serve,” said Isner. “I’m very pleased with how I played today as I played exceptionally well... I put a good effort out there. I knew I had to go out and play my best. I’m glad I’m able to contribute to this tie.”

World No. 6 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defeated 19-year-old Ryan Harrison 7-5, 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 in three hours to win the first point for France. Tsonga capitalised on seven of his 13 break point opportunities to win his 10th singles rubber.

“It was a bit up and down. I missed some easy shots,” Tsonga said. “It’s tough to play on clay after the hard courts but we chose this surface. It’s tough for us but also [for] the opponent.”

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