The United States took the lead in the Davis Cup Semi final against Sweden after the Bryan twins defeated Swedish doubles specialists Simon Aspelin and Jonas Bjorkman 7-6 (13/11), 6-2, 6-3

Mike and Bob Bryan have now a 12-1 win-loss record at the Davis Cup doubles as they gave their team the 2-1 advantage that will probably prove decisive in their attempt to reach the final against whoever emerges victorious from the Russia – Germany clash.

“I think that was our best Davis Cup match by far,” said Mike. “We played two great sets so we’re very happy.”

At the age 29, the Bryan twins may be at the peak of their career. They have won all four Grand Slam doubles titles, and by winning tonight they took a big step towards the one remaining title that really means something to them, the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas.

The final act, which will host the winner of the best-of-five semifinal series, is scheduled for November, and if the United States and Russia advance, the final will be played on American soil for the first time since 1992.

The Americans, who own a record 31 Davis Cup titles, were 1-0 in front thanks to Andy Roddick’s 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3), 6-3 win over Joachim Johansson in Goteborg. It was the American’s first match after losing in straight sets to Roger Federer in the US Open quarter-finals.

Roddick was in top form as he managed to beat the Swede, who was at his first match in eight months after a bad shoulder injury kept him off the court. Johansson was summoned by Sweden’s coach Mats Wilander to replace their top layer, Robin Soderling, who is out of action due to injury.

Sweden’s hopes were kept alive by Thomas Johansson as the former Australian Open champion upset James Blake 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to level the score.

In Sunday's reverse singles Thomas Johansson takes on Roddick with Blake up against Joachim Johansson.

In the other semi final Germany’s scratch combination of Alexander Waske and Philipp Petzschner played surprisingly well to upset Russia’s Dmitry Tursunov and Mikhail Youzhny 6-3 3-6 7-6 7-6. If the Germans wouldn’t have won the fourth set tie break, they probably wouldn’t have lasted much longer as Waske was nursing a painful right elbow injury.

“We are very excited,” said Waske. “I thought the match was over at the beginning of the fourth set which was very sad because we were the better doubles team. We were up 2-1 and I heard this clicking in my right elbow and I felt like I can’t hit another ball.”

If they are to advance into the final act of the competition and defend their title, the Russians have to win the two remaining matches. The first match will see Davydenko take on Tommy Haas and then Andreev will face Philipp Kolhschreiber.