Bryan brothers crush Hewitt comeback

MELBOURNE: Bob and Mike Bryan spoiled Lleyton Hewitt’s Davis Cup comeback by closing out a tense 6-3 6-3 4-6 4-6 6-3 doubles win that put the United States 2-1 ahead in their first round tie in Melbourne.

Former world number one Hewitt, who had retired six weeks ago at the Australian Open, replaced Sam Groth as John Peers’s doubles partner and dragged Australia back from two sets down with an inspired returning game on the temporary grass court at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.

But the Bryans silenced the home crowd by breaking Peers’s serve in the second game of the final set and the veteran Americans then served brilliantly to deny the hosts another break-point.

Serving to stay in the match at 5-2 down, the Australians saved two match points on Hewitt’s serve but conceded in the next game when Bob Bryan served to 40-0 and his brother smashed the winning volley.