Nick Kyrgios eased past John Isner 7-5 7-6(5) 7-6(5) in a duel of big servers to fire Australia to a 2-0 lead over the United States in their Davis Cup quarter-final in Brisbane on Friday (April 7).
The Australian number one carried on from the early work of underdog compatriot Jordan Thompson who stunned Jack Sock in 6-3 3-6 7-6(4) 6-4 to give him the biggest win of his career and the hosts a flying start at a packed Pat Rafter Arena.
The 79th-ranked Australian clubbed 14 aces and 17 winners as he ground down Sock, the American world number 15.
Wayward Sock sprayed 66 unforced errors and he hammered a forehand wide of the line to give up match point before surrendering the contest with a backhand over the baseline.
Kyrgios, who was in ominous form during last month's U.S. hardcourt swing, blasted 20 aces to Isner's 15, largely defusing the towering American's serve to close out a slow-burning match in two hours and 24 minutes.
Isner battled to the end, saving a match point at 6-5 to take the third set into a tiebreak, then charging into a 5-2 lead. But Kyrgios wrapped up the match in style, mowing through five straight points and sealing victory with a thundering ace.
Hammering a ball into the roaring crowd, Kyrgios hugged captain Lleyton Hewitt and his thrilled team mates.
Australia are seeking a first Davis Cup title since 2003.
Results:
Jordan Thompson (Australia) beat Jack Sock (U.S.) 6-3 3-6 7-6(4) 6-4
Nick Kyrgios (Australia) beat John Isner (U.S.) 7-5 7-6(5) 7-6(5)
