Steve Johnson and Sam Querrey continued their burgeoning doubles partnership as they quickly dismissed Farrukh Dustov and Denis Istomin 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 in Tashkent.
In a match far removed from the drama of Istomin and Johnson’s five set encounter on Friday, the Americans started quickly, winning the opening set in just thirty minutes. It was match based on just doing the basics better than their opponents, as Johnson/Querrey controlled almost all aspects of play.
Both Americans benefited from seeing the return of serve particularly well, as they proved especially dominant on serve in both the second and third set, most notably against Dustov. A forehand volley error from Dustov at two-four in the third set left the USA to serve out the match, which they did comfortably.
The USA will be relieved that they are now just one rubber away from retaining their position in the elite group of men’s tennis, with Steve Johnson and Jack Sock favoured in their final rubbers on Sunday. For Uzebekistan, the doubles was almost a must win, and they will now require a small miracle if they are to progress and take a place in the World Group for the first time since they joined the Davis Cup in 1994.