With the first round of the Davis Cup beginning on Friday, two familiar foes, Great Britain and the United States, will face off for transatlantic bragging rights. 

The USA team, led by John Isner and the Bryan Brothers, is looking to defend their home turf. Meanwhile, Great Britain is looking to pull of the upset, anchored by world number 6 Andy Murray. A clay court has been set up inside Petco Park, home of the MLB team, the San Diego Padres. 

Previewing Team USA

John Isner

Depite his disappointing showing at the Australian Open, retiring due to injury, Isner is still ranked inside the top 15, and 36 spots ahead of the number 2 American, Sam Querrey. Tennis fans keep waiting for Isner to break through, and make a run to a semi at a major, but inuries, inconsistency, and poor returning have plagued his development. For the Americans to win, Isner needs to win against James Ward, and he could really put a stranglehold on the Davis Cup tie if he upsets Andy Murray. 

Sam Querrey

Querrey had a solid showing down under, losing in the third round in straight sets to Fabio Fognini. Querrey had two wins in Australia, defeating Santiago Giraldo in 4 sets, and upsetting Ernests Gulbis in straight sets. Querrey, like Isner, has a big serve, and powerful grounstrokes, but lacks consistency and a return game. For the Americans to win, Querrey needs to take care of business against James Ward, the weaker of the two British singles players.

The Bryan Brothers

Both of the Bryan Brothers have been key contrivutors to past successes to US Davis Cup squads. They are the best doubles team in the world because they compliment each other so well. Bob and his back lefty forehand and serve, along with Mike's consistent return abilities. The two work very well together, and need to win the doubles match on Saturday for the US team to pull out the victory. 

Prediction:

USA wins 3-2. I expect Andy Murray, despite coming off back surgery, to be 2-0 against both Americans, especially on clay, Isner and Querrey's weakest surface. However, the Bryan Brothers will hold serve, picking up a point in doubles, and I do not think James Ward is good enough to beat Isner or Querrey in a best of 5 format. Therefore, the Americans will win in a tight one, 3-2. 

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About the author
Anthony Dabbundo
Lead Indianapolis Colts writer