Mike Bryan's return from Davis Cup retirement helps keep U.S. alive

Doubles specialist Mike Bryan's decision to come out of Davis Cup retirement gave the United States a much-needed lift.

Bryan teamed with Ryan Harrison for the first time and helped the Americans outlast Ivan Dodig and Mate Pavic 7-5, 7-6 (6), 1-6, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (5) over nearly five hours to cut Croatia's lead to 2-1 in their semifinal on Saturday in Zadar, Croatia.

“It's great to win one for the country — 7-6 in the fifth, on the road and on dirt — this is right up there and I will never forget this one,” Bryan said.

At 4 hours, 43 minutes, it was the longest Davis Cup match of Bryan's career.

“This is really why I came over and got back in Davis Cup,” the 40-year-old Bryan said. “I'm thrilled to give the U.S. one point. We did our job and now we're hoping to give the team some momentum into tomorrow.”

In today's reverse singles, sixth-ranked Marin Cilic faces Steve Johnson, and Borna Coric meets Davis Cup rookie Frances Tiafoe. The winner on the outdoor clay court along the Dalmatian Coast will meet defending champion France in the Nov. 23-25 final. France beat Spain 3-0.

Mike Bryan and twin Bob retired from Davis Cup after the U.S. lost to Croatia in the 2016 quarterfinals. But Mike decided to return while enjoying a stellar season with interim partner Jack Sock.

Bryan and Sock won Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. However, Sock hurt his hip during the U.S. Open run and was replaced by Harrison on the U.S. team.

U.S. captain Jim Courier recounted how he met with Bob Bryan to get his blessing before asking Mike Bryan to return after Bob underwent hip surgery.

“It's like asking someone's hand in marriage, sometimes you need to talk to the father first, and they're so close I felt like without consulting Bob it wouldn't have been appropriate,” Courier said of the Bryan brothers, who have won 16 Grand Slam titles together.

“Obviously, they're incredibly valuable — together or separately — so we've been lucky to have them and to have Mike back. He and Ryan really combined well today in a pretty tricky environment.”

While Bryan's reflex volleys were decisive throughout the match, it was Harrison's forehand return winner that sealed it on the Americans' second match point — silencing a raucous crowd featuring fans banging drums and blaring trumpets.

— Associated Press