TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (AP) — Steve Johnson lost a tough five-setter to Denis Istomin on Friday as Uzbekistan took a 1-0 lead over the United States in their Davis Cup World Group playoff.
The two players took turns dictating periods of the match before the 62nd-ranked Istomin prevailed 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 7-5 against Johnson, who is ranked 15 places higher.
Jack Sock can level the score for the U.S. later Friday if he beats Uzbekistan’s Farrukh Dustov.
On Saturday, Johnson and Sam Querrey face Istomin and Dustov in the doubles before the reverse singles Sunday.
The match is a playoff for the right to compete in the top-tier World Group next year.
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