By Richard Pagliaro | Thursday, March 5, 2015
Donald Young opens against Andy Murray and John Isner faces James Ward, but doubles could be crucial when the USA takes host Great Britain in this weekend's Davis Cup tie in Glasgow.
Photo credit: @USDavisCupTeam
The bleating sound of bagpipes greeted the United States Davis Cup team as it arrived for the traditional pre-tie dinner in Glasgow.
The Americans will be aiming to play a different tune when they face host Great Britain in a clash of Davis Cup founding nations that launched the competition 115 years ago.
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Twins Mike and Bob Bryan are doubling down on the importance of doubles.
The bandmates believe a potential brotherly doubles battle on Saturday against Andy Murray and Jamie Murray could be key to the outcome.
"I think it's probably gonna come down to doubles," Bob Bryan told DavisCup.com. "Great Britain has amazing singles player, Andy Murray, who is favored in his matches. We probably have a little bit of edge in second singles so the doubles might be the swing point.
"We been working hard this week. We got here early. We feel very prepared. If we play the Murray brothers it could be pretty exciting. I think the fans want to see that. There hasn't been too many brother combinations square off in a World Group match so that could add an extra dynamic to this tie."
The nations face off for the 20th time and revisit recent history.
A year ago, Andy Murray and James Ward played with poise, while Sam Querrey crumbled as Great Britain bounced the U.S. out of the World Cup field, 3-1, on a portable red clay court constructed in the outfield of San Diego's Petco Park.
Conditions figure to be much cozier — and a lot louder — in this weekend's rematch. Each nation's No. 2 could play pivotal parts in the outcome.
The Emirates Arena in Glasgow should be rocking for the return of Dunblane native Murray, who plays American No. 2 Donald Young in tomorrow's opener.
The British No. 1 carries a 7-0 lifetime singles record in Davis Cup matches staged on hard court into this match. Playing his first Davis Cup match on Scottish soil since leading GB to a 5-0 sweep of Hungary in a 2011 tie in Glasgow, Murray is expecting an audible ally in the loud crowd.
"The tickets sold very quickly so I imagine the crowd is going to be very passionate," Murray told DavisCup.com. "They will get right behind the team. I’m looking forward to it. Sometimes you play away from home, very partisan crowds and hostile atmosphere. That's very character building and then when you play in front of the home crowd its obviously more helpful. It's nicer, obviously. It's always fun."
A rowdy atmosphere could create complications for Young, who faces the Australian Open finalist for the second straight year. Murray tormented Young's two-handed backhand, forcing short balls in a 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, thrashing in San Diego last year.
Playing just his second Davis Cup match, Young knows he must get off to a fast start for any shot of challenging Murray and subduing the crowd.
“I am playing for my country, not for myself against Andy Murray in his home [country]," Young told DavisCup.com. "It is going to be tough for sure. The crowd is going to be amazing and hopefully I can enjoy it.”
World No. 20 John Isner plays the 111th-ranked Ward in Friday's second singles match. They have never faced off on the ATP circuit. Isner beat Ward at a USTA Pro Circuit Challenger in 2009, in Savannah, Ga., in their only prior meeting.
The big-serving Isner is winless in three meetings with Murray, which puts a premium on Friday's second singles match.
The Bryans accounted for the only American point in the 2014 tie in San Diego. The Bryan brothers are scheduled to play Jamie Murray and Dominic Inglot in Saturday's doubles. Though Andy Murray, an exceptional doubles player, could step in to play doubles if the teams split opening-day singles.
The Bryans, who have lost two of their last three Davis Cup matches on hard court, arrive fresh off winning Delray Beach and sound eager for a brotherly battle.
"If I was [Great Britain] coach it's tough," Mike Bryan told DavisCup.com. "Do you go with Dom, who's had the hot hand against us this year? Or do you go with two Scottish guys with the fans, the public are pretty much calling for with the Murray brothers against the Bryan brothers. It's tough. So we're prepared for all the scenarios."
Pointing out doubles did not impact the outcome of the 2014 tie, Murray says every match this weekend is vital.
"Each match is very important," Murray said. "The last tie, the Bryan brothers won the doubles against us and lost the tie, 3-1. It's whoever can get to three points whether winning the doubles or winning three singles. It doesn't matter. You just need to get to three points all of them are important."
In Sunday's reverse singles, Murray plays Isner with Ward scheduled to play Young in the fifth match if necessary.