Despite a fighting performance by Australia in the doubles, especially John Peers in his debut Davis Cup appearance, the Bryan brothers managed to win in five sets, therefore increasing the home teams task from difficult to monumental. Big serving John Isner had to first be taken down by Bernard Tomic and Sam Groth then win the match of his life against Jack Sock, a player he had once beaten at Wimbledon but at a time when their games were travelling in different form trajectories from today.
Isner jumped from the barriers almost before they opened with Tomic left several lengths at the start. The American travelled the first few hundred metres claiming the inside running and without needing the whip at any stage. Tomic couldn't make up the ground, having to run wide for much of the distance and was adrift by two sets at the midway point.
Isner's clear run received a check soon after half distance with Tomic finding the better ground and moving up a couple of lengths, cutting the margin by a whole set. The crowd rose in anticipation of an historic finish much like Kiwi in the 1983 Melbourne Cup and it was the Australian stallion that looked stronger as they entered the final furlongs. As he drew alongside the American born and trained entry, Tomic lost stride at the crucial stage and Isner galloped to the line to win the Kooyong Stakes by a comfortable two lengths and sets.
The 3 day Davis Cup Carnival was a success for the American trainer Jim Courier who now had three group one winners and the likelihood of another with the favourite in the next race.
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