US sweeps Federer's Swiss team out of Davis Cup

FRIBOURG, Switzerland — The United States swept favored Switzerland out of the Davis Cup on Saturday when Mardy Fish and Mike Bryan beat Roger Federer and Stanislas Wawrinka 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.

Teaming for only the second time, Fish and Bryan comfortably handled the 2008 Olympic doubles champions in front of an occasionally hostile Swiss crowd of 7,000.

"This is probably going down as one of the most memorable (wins)," said Bryan, who played on the 2007 winning team.

The doubles victory gave the Americans a 3-0 lead in the best-of-five first-round series. They advanced to the quarterfinals in April when they again will be on the road — against France or Canada.

The Americans were kept under control for a set and a half, then seized every opportunity to exploit errors on Wawrinka's serve. The crowd got angry when Bryan hit Federer and Wawrinka with volleys at close range later in the match.

Fish and Bryan picked up the momentum from Friday's thrilling singles matches when John Isner stunned Federer in four sets and Fish outlasted Wawrinka in five.

"Our attitude remained strong all the while and we were ready for whatever," U.S. captain Jim Courier said. "That is what you need for any road tie."

Bryan is a doubles specialist who usually plays with his twin brother. Bob Bryan, however, was unavailable because of the birth of his daughter last week. The only other time Fish and Mike Bryan played together was a five-set victory over Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco in a 2008 semifinal in Madrid that Spain won 4-1.

Courier initially chose 19-year-old Ryan Harrison to play with Bryan when the draw was held Thursday. But Davis Cup rules allow lineup changes up to one hour before a match.

"It's great that the guy I have to tee it up with is the best doubles player ever," said Fish, who had played 4 hours, 26 minutes to win on Friday. "I'm just trying to do my part."

Mike Bryan extended his exceptional record in Davis Cup doubles to 20-2, and is unbeaten in 11 away matches.

In a match of few break-point chances, the Swiss had an opportunity on Fish's serve in the opening game when Wawrinka struck a winner. Federer served for the set, but the first chance was lost when Bryan's forehand looped off the net cord for a winner.