After a very close first set, Isner starts reading Groth’s serve and returning splendidly, thus reaching an easy win in the first rubber 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2.
It’s 10:50AM of a beautiful warm Summer day in Melbourne: clear sky and a temperature of 27C, but the forecast says top of 36C, watch out.
A brief opening ceremony, the national anthems (followed by the Fanatics, Australian famous supporters, today with a whole band, singing Chameleon followed by Waltzin’ Matilda (Aussie unofficial anthem). The crowd responds timidly (especially given the number of senior patrons, members of the prestigious Lawn Tennis Club).
The rubber starts with Isner serving: 4 first serves, a good kick on the only second serve and 1-0. Groth replies holding to zero. The ace race everybody expects is on. Both players are returning from a good two and a half meters from the baseline.
I could comment on point by point, but apart from Isner saving from 0-40 on 3 all, everything flows as expected, between aces (many) and winning returns (some) to take the players to the tie-break.
Groth plays well, but suffers not so much Isner first flat bombs, as much as the kick serve on the second serve, which bounces over his head (despite his 193 cm).
In the tie-break, Isner shows why he is ranked n.11 in the world, slips in a couple of good returns and takes home the set 7-6(2)
Groth feels the missed opportunity and is broken right away; Isner will be in control from now on. “At 0-40 I was facing 3 set points there. It was crucial, I got through and settled down after that.” comments Isner at the press conference. All of a sudden Groth’s serve does not hurt anymore, or rather Isner is returning really well, especially with the forehand along the line, making Groth play more and more volleys and passing him a number of times or hitting to the body. “He is returning so well and hitting the lines, and then you start questioning what you are doing” says Groth during the press conference. Groth’s serve is broken again on 4-2, while Isner holds his serve to love and with a good kick serve takes the second set 6-2. The third set is a photocopy of the second: Isner breaks on 1-1 and then saves a break point (6 break points saved out of 6 for him) to then break again: 5-2 in a matter of minutes. Isner keeps on serving well and gets to match points: the first one is good with Groth returning long a kick serve: game set and match 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2 and 1-0 for US of A.
