Fish defeats Falla to give US 1-0 lead in World Group Davis Cup playoff against Colombia

Fish defeats Falla to give US 1-0 lead

BOGOTA, Colombia — Santiago Giraldo of Colombia defeated American Sam Querrey 6-2, 6-4, 7-5 on Friday to even their Davis Cup playoff at 1-1 after the first day.

Mardy Fish defeated Alejandro Falla 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in the best-of-five series earlier in the day. Doubles are set for Saturday with reverse singles Sunday.

The winner will remain in the Davis Cup World Cup, the top tier of the competition. The United States has dropped out of the World Group only once since it began in 1981.

The U.S. has won the Davis Cup 32 times, more than any other nation. Colombia is trying to reach the World Group for the first time.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Mardy Fish defeated Alejandro Falla 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 on Friday to give the United States a 1-0 lead in its Davis Cup match against Colombia.

The best-of-five World Group match on outdoor red clay is being played at the La Santamaria bullring in Bogota, which is at 8,700 feet in elevation. American Sam Querrey faced Santiago Giraldo in Friday’s second singles match, with doubles Saturday and reverse singles Sunday.

“I was a gutsy mental effort by Mardy today,” said U.S. coach Patrick McEnroe, who is retiring after this match. “It goes to show what being fit means.”

The winner of the match will remain in the World Cup, the top tier of competition. The United States has dropped out of the World Group only once since it began in 1981, and has won the tournament 32 times, more than any other nation.

Fish broke Falla in the final game of the fifth set in a match that took 3 hours, 59 minutes. The home crowd of about 8,000 supported Falla with wild cheers and nonstop waves.

“The key was staying ahead in the fifth set,” Fish said. “I had some tough games to hold but was always able to stay ahead of him. When (Falla) had to serve to stay into it at 5-4, that’s when all the pressure kicked in.”

Fish suggested both players might have had an easier time on another surface.

“He hits the ball flat and I think he would have preferred a hard court,” Fish said. “We both would have preferred to play on a hard court. Maybe the tennis would be a bit better.”

The statistical categories were nearly even, though Fish had a clear 8-1 edge in aces. The Americans also may have the edge in history, having complied a 178-17 record when winning the first point of a Davis Cup match.

Colombia is trying to reach the World Group for the first time.