Bryans keep U.S. Davis Cup hopes alive

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AUSTIN, Texas, July 9 (UPI) -- The duo of Bob and Mike Bryan kept the United States' Davis Cup hopes alive Saturday, beating their Spanish doubles opponents in four sets.

The American brothers dropped their first set to Marcel Granollers and Fernando Verdasco 6-7 (3-7), then battled back to take the next three sets 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. The 2-hour, 41-minute match drew the United States to within 2-1 in its Davis Cup clash with Spain.

It was up to the Bryans to keep the Americans in play after a pair of singles losses Friday, when Feliciano Lopez beat Mardy Fish in five sets and David Ferrer knocked off Andy Roddick in three.

The Bryans improved their Davis Cup record to 18-2.

Sunday's decisive reverse singles will feature Fish against Ferrer and Roddick battling Lopez. The winner will face France in the September semifinals.