U.S. Takes 2-0 Lead With a Record Serve

Andy Roddick hit a record 155-mph serve in his 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Vladimir Voltchkov on Friday to help the United States take a 2-0 lead over Belarus in Davis Cup best-of-five semifinal competition at Charleston, S.C.

Mardy Fish defeated Max Mirnyi in the second singles match, 7-5, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

Roddick’s serve in the final game of the match eclipsed his record of 153 mph set at the Queen’s Club tournament in England in June. Even with the record speed, Voltchkov managed to get his racket on the ball but was unable to return it.

Roddick, who had 17 aces, also had serves of 151 and 152 mph against Voltchkov.

In the doubles match today, the U.S. team of Bob and Mike Bryan is scheduled to play Mirnyi and Alexander Skrypko. The singles are set for Sunday.

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At Alicante, Spain, France led Spain, 1-0. Paul-Henri Mathieu upset sixth-ranked Carlos Moya, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. Spain’s Juan Carlos Ferrero was leading Fabrice Santoro, 6-3, 6-2, 1-6, 3-3, when play was stopped because of darkness.