[[Well, the US squad did it, and in splendid fashion. All that's left now is the dead rubbers, which I'm sure will be best-of-three encouters. I wonder if the US will let their bench players do the honors. It would be a nice gesture, but then many people in the Coliseum probably bought tickets hoping to get a glimpse of the big stars - Andy Roddick and James Blake. Anyway, you can use this post to comment on today's action, but feel free to go Off-Topic. I will be posting some thoughts tomorrow on this tie and Davis Cup in general, so come around the watercooler for that. Meanshile,ere is long-suffering and loyal Davis Cup supporter Karen/GVGirl's latest dispatch from Portand --- Pete]]
Ladies dancing on stilts welcomed the spectators to the Memorial Coliseum on Day Two of the Davis Cup, which was appropriate enough because the US was standing tall with a 2-0 lead that looked insurmontable when you contemplate the record of the team that would play later - Bob and Mike Bryan, a superb 12-1 in Saturday doubles-only action.
A band kept the fans pumped up as they walked into the venue. This is a day I had been about since the first round of Davis Cup in February. If you're a crazy fan like me, you research all of the teams in the World Group to figure which teams the USA could possibly play on home soil - and plan your vacations accordingly! It was a great year for me that way - I was able to attend the USA’s quarterfinal victory over Spain in Winston Salem, North Carolina back in April. And now - Portland. The final!
You don’t want to take anything for granted just because the best doubles team on earth is playing to clinch the Davis Cup. Anything can happen in Davis Cup. The NetHeads, or 60-strong fan group, as already assembled in our chosen section by the time I arrived. Scattered about the Coliseum were members of an unofficial sister group, the "Bryan Bunch." They are highly noticeable in their lime green t-shirts.
The numerous Russian faithful were also in place, wearing “their” red, white and blue, chanting and waving their country’s flag. There was also smattering of Russian spectators wearing red sweatshirts with the old “CCCP” emblem (which in some quarters is a chic accessory) - a nod to the country's history. I give these fans credit for their enthusiasm and vocal spirit because the odds aginst them looked nearly insurmontable.
Stan Smith was honored before the opening ceremony. The honor of the coin flip went to American Wheelchair tennis player David Wagner. If you have never seen Wheelchair tennis, I urge you to see the strength and spirit of these tremendous athletes.
As for the match itself, the first set was a dogfight, with the Bryans taking it in the tie break. The periodic chants of Let’s go Bryans resounded through the Coliseum, growing louder and louder as they marched closer and closer to victory. Finally it was match, tie, and Davis Cup Championship point - and then, Victory!
All of the USA Davis Cup players and coaches ran onto the court, leaping the net to congratulate the Bryans and each other. Fireworks light the Memorial Coliseum. After the last of the explosions dissipated, streamers in red, white, blue, silver and gold fell down from the ceiling like a gentle welcoming rain.
I knew that all this was coming, yet I was simultaneously dumbstruck and screaming inside! A bunch of we NetHeads exchanged big hugs, and then had a group hug. I’m a pretty senior member, having been on board since 2002. It’s been a long road for many of us. Davis Cup has taken us to many places and made us many new friends. It has taught us to deal with difficult losses and savor soaring triumphs.
Congratulations Patrick, Andy, James, Bob and Mike! American Men’s tennis is not dead yet! Gentlemen, let the parties begin - and please invite me.
-- GVGirl