MADRID, Spain — Doubles players Mardy Fish and Mike Bryan did their part to keep the Americans’ hopes of defending their Davis Cup title alive against Spain on Saturday.
Now it’s Andy Roddick’s turn.
Fish and Bryan rallied to beat Spanish duo Fernando Verdasco and Feliciano Lopez 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 to give the U.S. its first semifinals point on the clay at Las Ventas bullfighting arena after being swept in Friday’s singles play.
With Spain leading 2-1 and looking to reach its sixth final, the pressure falls squarely on Roddick and his decisive match against Rafael Nadal in the first reverse singles rubber today.
“I’m not worried. (Andy) knows what he has to do, he’s been in this position many times before,” U.S. captain Patrick McEnroe said.
The U.S. has won the Davis Cup 32 times, but has only rallied back from a 2-1 deficit five times. A Roddick victory would make fifth- ranked David Ferrer’s match against Sam Querrey the decisive one. The winning team will face Argentina or Russia, with the Argentines leading their semifinal in Buenos Aires 2-1.
WNBA’s Sun forces decisive Game 3
UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Asjha Jones scored 16 points and the Connecticut Sun forced a decisive Game 3 against the New York Liberty with a 73-70 victory.
Tamika Whitmore made two free throws in the final 30 seconds to help the Sun prevail.
• In other WNBA action, Crystal Kelly had 19 points to lead the visiting Sacramento Monarchs to an 84-67 win over the San Antonio Silver Stars to force Monday’s Game 3.
Senators top Rangers in preseason opener
OTTAWA — Dany Heatley, Jason Spezza and Mike Fisher each scored to lead the Ottawa Senators to a 3-2 win over the New York Rangers in the first preseason game for the NHL teams.
Brandon Dubinsky netted two goals for New York, which fell behind 3-0 after Fisher scored against Stephen Valiquette 2:12 into the second period.
• Brandon Bochenski had two goals and an assist to give the Tampa Bay Lightning a 5-4 preseason shootout win over the host Pittsburgh Penguins.
• Buffalo Sabres general manager Darcy Regier was given a two-year contract extension.
Footnotes.
Olympic gold medalist Dawn Harper of the United States won the 100-meter hurdles at the Golden Grand Prix in Shanghai, China. Harper won the event in 12.56 seconds. Jamaica’s Veronica Campbell-Brown won the 100- meter dash in 11.01.
• Jens Voigt of Germany won the Tour de Pologne in Warsaw, Poland, while Robert Foerster captured the shortened final stage.
• Levi Leipheimer won the 20th stage of the Spanish Vuelta to trim Astana teammate Alberto Contador’s overall lead.
• The Pittsburgh Steelers added linebacker Patrick Bailey to their roster and released running back Gary Russell.
• My Pal Charlie edged Macho Again to win Super Derby 29 at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, La.
The Associated Press
