The big question surrounding the U.S. Davis Cup team ahead of this week’s first-round tie against Brazil is this: Is John Isner healthy?
Isner, who did not play the Australian Open to rest and heal a bone bruise in his right knee, suggested Tuesday that he was feeling better but his status remains uncertain.
“My knee, it is feeling better,” said Isner, ranked No. 16 this week, during the pre-draw news conference in Jacksonville. “Hopefully I’ll be able to go on Friday.”
Isner said he had been resting and icing the knee for more than two weeks.
Once I pulled out of Australia, there wasn’t much I could do besides rest,” he said. “Rest was the most important thing. I can ice it five, six times a day. I can do some treatment on it. But the most important thing for me was rest. I definitely have that.”
U.S. captain Jim Courier said Ryan Harrison is his backup plan.
“John is here and obviously we’re hopeful he’s going to be prepared to play come Friday,” Courier said. “But we have Ryan Harrison, as well, practicing with us. Ryan is certainly prepared to step in should John not be ready to go.”
No. 20 Sam Querrey and recently crowned Australian Open doubles champions and Grand Slam recordholders Bob and Mike Bryan make up the rest of the team.
Also on hand to practice with the team is Mardy Fish, who also has been sidelined by illness.
“Mardy is here,” Courier said. We’re glad to have him practicing with the team. He’s building back up to be at tour level. He’s not going to be quite ready to go here.”
This match will mark the fifth meeting between the U.S. and Brazil in Davis Cup with the U.S. leading the overall series 3-1.
Thomaz Bellucci, ranked No. 36, leads Brazil. He will be joined by Thiago Alves, Marcelo Melo and Bruno Soares. Brazil’s cpatain is Joao Zwetsch.
