Spain kicked off their Hopman Cup campaign with a 3-0 victory over Group A rivals the United States in Perth.
Robredo cuts down Isner despite giant American's 16 aces
Spain kicked off their Hopman Cup campaign with an impressive 3-0 victory over Group A rivals the United States in Perth.
Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez gave the Spaniards the perfect start with a 6-4 6-4 defeat of US Open quarter-finalist Melanie Oudin.
The two-time champions then doubled their lead when Tommy Robredo cut giant John Isner down to size in a three-set thriller.
Robredo rallied after losing the first set to triumph 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 7-6 (7-4), despite his 6ft 9 opponent hammering down 16 aces.
Gamble
"It's a bit like the casino, red or black," the 27-year-old said when asked to describe having to deal with Isner's huge serve.
"If it's red it's the forehand, if it's black it's the backhand, so I am very proud of the way I returned."
Robredo then teamed up with Martina Sanchez, whose serve-and-volley game had been too much for Oudin earlier in the day, to win the doubles 6-4 7-5 and seal a whitewash for Spain.
The United States now face a must-win clash against Australia, who were surprisingly beaten by Romania in the opening match of the tournament.
"We were a bit down after the singles," Oudin, 18, admitted afterwards. "But it was really fun and it's alright. We'll bounce back."
Group B gets underway on Monday with Andy Murray and Laura Robson combining for Great Britain against Kazakhstan, while Germany face Russia.
