US leads 2-1 over France in Davis Cup quarterfinal

U.S. player Bob Bryan, left, speaks with teammate and brother Mike Bryan during their men's doubles match against France's Michael Llodra and Julien Benneteau in the quarterfinal of the Davis Cup in Monaco, Saturday April 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)

U.S. player Bob Bryan, left, speaks with teammate and brother Mike Bryan during their men's doubles match against France's Michael Llodra and Julien Benneteau in the quarterfinal of the Davis Cup in Monaco, Saturday April 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)

U.S. players Mike Bryan and Bob Bryan, foreground, shakes hands with French players Michael Llodra, right facing, and Julien Benneteau, left, after defeating them in their men's doubles match in the quarterfinal of the Davis Cup in Monaco Saturday April 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)

U.S. players Mike Bryan, background, and Bob Bryan react after winning their double match against French pair Michael Llodra and Julien Benneteau, in the quarterfinal of the Davis Cup between France and U.S. in Monaco Saturday April 7, 2012. The U.S. leads the competition 2-1 at the end of the second day.(AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)

The French and the U.S. Davis Cup teams pose together during the draw ceremony in Monaco, Thursday April 5, 2012. From left: Michael Llodra, Julien Benneteau, Gilles Simon, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Guy Forget, Jim Courier, John Isner, Ryan Harrison, Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan.The French tennis team will play against the U.S. team, for the quarter final of the Davis Cup.(AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)

U.S. players Bob Bryan, left, speaks with teamate and brother Mike Bryan during their double match against French pair Michael Llodra and Julien Benneteau, in the quarterfinal of the Davis Cup between France and U.S. in Monaco Saturday April 7, 2012. The U.S. won the match, and the U.S. team leads the competition 2-1 at the end of the second day.(AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)

ROQUEBRUNE, France (AP) ? Bob and Mike Bryan defeated Julien Benneteau and Michael Llodra 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (4) Saturday to give the United States a 2-1 lead over France in their Davis Cup quarterfinal.

The Bryans, the top-ranked doubles team, have not lost a Davis Cup match since 2008. They were rarely troubled against a French pair that struggled to find any rhythm on the clay at the Monte Carlo Country Club.

"We were ready for a dogfight," Bob Bryan said. "I thought we did a great job of not letting the crowd get too loud."

On Sunday, No. 11 John Isner faced sixth-ranked Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in singles. Teenager Ryan Harrison, ranked 66th will play No. 13 Gilles Simon.

"Jo is capable of beating him," France captain Guy Forget said. "We're better ranked than them, so we have to go out and win."

Tsonga looked shaky at times when he beat the inexperienced Harrison in four sets on Friday. Isner's huge serve and dominant forehand present a much bigger threat than Harrison's shot-making.

"He wanted to play on clay, now we must go and get the win. We all have our duties and responsibilities," Forget said. "It's a heavyweight contest between two big hitters."

On Saturday, the French pair lost their serve at the start of the first and second set. Although they showed more fight in the third set, the Bryans did not have to face a single break point.

The United States trailed 2-1 in the tiebreaker, but quickly rallied for a 5-2.

Llodra's long forehand offered match point, which the Americans converted when Benneteau's backhand down the line sailed out.

"We both served at a high percentage, that's always key," Mike Bryan said. "We're good frontrunners, so we played hard."

Forget was disappointed with how his players approached the match, and said they lacked composure.

The tone was set from the start when Llodra's double fault gifted the Americans the lead, even though France had been 40-30 up in the opening game. Mike Bryan's crisp volley made it 2-0 and Benneteau had to save a break point in the next game.

The last time the Bryans lost a Davis Cup match together was against France, four years ago, when Llodra played alongside Arnaud Clement.

Associated Press

senate bill 5 senate bill 5 joe paterno press conference joe paterno scandal joe paterno scandal election day 2011 mississippi