TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — A straightforward win in the doubles for Steve Johnson and Sam Querrey on Saturday lifted the United States to a 2-1 lead over Uzbekistan and the brink of victory in their Davis Cup World Group playoff.
Johnson and Querrey held their serve throughout the 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win over Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin and Farrukh Dustov, wrapping up the match in just over 90 minutes.
"I served well, Stevie cleaned up stuff at the net. I was hitting forehands. He was hitting forehands," Querrey said. "It was a solid win and we are happy to get a point for the team."
It was more success for Johnson and Querrey after they reached the semifinals of the men's doubles at the U.S. Open earlier this month, beating the top-ranked Bryan brothers on the way.
"Today is a byproduct of the confidence they gained at the U.S. Open. There's no doubt about that. Winning just leads to more winning," United States captain Jim Courier said.
One win from Sunday's reverse singles will ensure the U.S. extends its 26-year stay in the top-tier World Group.
The U.S. had gone 1-0 down to Uzbekistan on Friday when Istomin beat Johnson, but Jack Sock beat Dustov to tie the score.
On Sunday, the top-ranked players from both teams clash in the fourth rubber as world No. 29 Sock meets the 62nd-ranked Istomin.
In the final singles match, 47th-ranked Johnson plays Dustov, who is ranked 111 places beneath him.
