Bryan brothers aiming for another final

The headline could be a cut and paste from dozens of reports through the years, such has the dominance of men's tennis been by the Bryan brothers, Mike and Bob.  To make it true today the win would  have to come against a pairing made in Italy, so there was a real Davis Cup feel about the contest.

Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini comprised the American pair's opposition and for the better part of Set 1 it was quality opposition.  The doubles entertained as it should by the semi final stage, and the habit  which the Americans have developed of finding a break point from thin air was evident again today.  A single break point delivered the sole service break, and the Americans were half way to the finals winning the set 6-4.

The second set shifted with the Italian team picking up the tempo quicker than the Americans.  They were hitting winners everywhere from both sides, volleying, overhead, passing or just finding spare open court.  All a great show for the crowd, but in practical terms of not much value as the Bryans had contingencies for all kinds of teams and all changes in team tactics.  Only one break point was garnered by the Italians for all their sweet shot making and style and glamour.

The miserly Americans normally dispense with the occasional break point against them but on this occasion it slipped through the cracks and caused not only the loss of the game but eventually the set too.  6-4 to each team and a third set to decide a finalist.

The brothers Bryan knuckled down to the task and with an amazing service percentage and hitting with greater precision around the court than at any phase of the match, they mauled the Italians.  Only two breaks of serve were made but of course that was entirely sufficient.

Mike and Bob finalists yet again 6-4 4-6 6-1.