The United States’ quest to claim a record seventh Hopman Cup crown remain alive after John Isner beat Jerzy Janowicz 7-6 (12-10) 6-4 at Perth Arena on Saturday night.
Poland went ahead 1-0 in the final after Agnieszka Radwanska shocked world No.1 Serena Williams 6-4 6-7 (7-3) 6-1.
But Isner ensured the top seeds stayed alive with a 116-minute win over fellow giant Janowicz.
The mixed doubles will decide the title winner.
“We won’t be laughing and goofing around in this one. It’s a very important mixed doubles,” Isner said.
Williams, a two-time Hopman Cup champion, entered her singles match having won all of her previous eight contests against Radwanska.
Such was the dominance, Radwanska had only ever won one set against the American – in the 2012 Wimbledon final.
But Radwanska came out with all guns blazing in Perth, the world No.5 even serving for the match in the second set.
Williams broke back before winning the second-set tiebreak, but Radwanska came up with the goods when it mattered most in the third to secure the win in 125 minutes.
“When I go and play against her, you have nothing really to lose,” Radwanska said.
“She is No.1 in the world and a great champion.
“It doesn’t matter what the score is. It’s never over, she’s a great fighter. I’m just very happy that I could come back after that second set and play my good game in the third set.
“Wins like this always give a lot of confidence.”
Radwanska was part of the Polish team that lost last summer’s Hopman Cup final to France and she’s in danger of suffering yet another heartbreaking loss after Janowicz failed to reproduce her heroics.
Janowicz blew five set points in the first-set tiebreak and Isner made the most of his opponent’s missed chances to seal the match.
Isner revealed he is battling niggles in his back, adductor, and knee, forcing him to withdraw from the coming Heineken Open in Auckland.
“It’s a shame to miss Auckland. It’s a very long travel,” Isner said.
“As it gets later in my career and I get older, I have to take care of my body.
“I wish I didn’t have to pull out in Auckland. I feel very bad for that.
“But honestly it’s fine. It’s nothing too serious. Everyone’s dealing with something. I’m managing them fine.”
