FRIBOURG, Switzerland – John Isner shocked Roger Federer 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-2, giving the United States a 2-0 lead against Switzerland in their Davis Cup first-round series.
Isner’s big serve backed and booming ground strokes challenged the Swiss star in long rallies on the indoor clay court Friday.
“I thought he played great,” Federer said. “He played it tough and served great when he had to. I just missed a couple more opportunities than he did and that’s what cost me the match.”
Isner, 26, called it the “biggest win of my career thus far.”
The upset was preceded by a thrilling opening singles match, with Mardy Fish outlasting Stanislas Wawrinka 6-2, 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 9-7.
The U.S. can eliminate Switzerland in doubles in the best-of-five series today.
AUTO RACING
Around the track
In Pomona, Calif., Bob Tasca raced to the provisional No. 1 qualifying position in Funny Car in the season-opening NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway. Morgan Lucas led the Top Fuel field, and Mike Edwards topped the Pro Stock competition after the second round of qualifying. … IndyCar is returning to the Milwaukee Mile on June 15. The track is one of the nation’s most historic, but it originally was left off the 2012 IndyCar schedule.
BASKETBALL
Harvard tops Penn
Corbin Mille and Kyle Casey scored 17 points apiece and No. 25 Harvard (21-2, 7-0) remained perfect in the Ivy League with a 56-50 win over the Quakers (12-11, 4-2) in Philadelphia.
BOXING
Trainer Dundee laid to rest
Boxing trainer Angelo Dundee was remembered as a master motivator and a man who left a legacy of kindness during a funeral service in Clearwater, Fla., attended by Muhammad Ali. Dundee helped mold Ali into a world champion, and Ali was among several hundred people at the 80-minute service. Dundee died last week at 90.
CROSS COUNTRY
Cadet, 3 others sign with IPFW
Concordia runner Anna Reibs was one of four athletes who signed national letters of intent to run for the IPFW women’s team. Reibs is a two-time SAC champion, was third in the sectional and fourth in the regional. Others who signed letters of intent were Andrea Bell, Celina, Ohio; Katie Simmons, Jay County; and Alexa Brown, Spencerville, Ohio.
FOOTBALL
Judge dismisses Haywood case
An Indiana judge dismissed a domestic battery charge against former Notre Dame offensive coordinator Michael Haywood, who served briefly as Pittsburgh’s head football coach before the case led to his firing. A St. Joseph Superior Court judge dismissed the charges after determining Haywood had completed all terms of a pre-trial diversion program. Haywood, 47, was charged with felony domestic battery and misdemeanor domestic violence after he allegedly attacked his son’s 38-year-old mother at Haywood’s South Bend home. Both counts were dismissed.
