American John Isner may have had the first great match of the 2012 Australian Open during Day 3 of the event, as he outlasted Argentina's David Nalbandian in an epic match to claim a five-set victory.
Isner entered the Aussie Open ranked 16th in the world, but he still needed four hours and 40 minutes to overtake the unranked Argentinian veteran. The final set scores were quite close -- 4-6, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (5), 10-8.
Isner used his biggest weapon -- his serve -- to tally 43 aces compared to Nalbandian's seven, but conversely doubled up in unforced errors as the American committed 69 mistakes compared to Nalbandian's 33.
As far as other top tennis players are concerned, both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer were able to advance in Day 3's action as they move closer to meeting prior to the tournament championship. American Mardy Fish wasn't quite as lucky, however, as the No. 8 ranked player dropped straight sets to Alejandro Falla to be eliminated from the tournament.
On the women's side of the bracket, Kim Clijsters and Li Na were both able to advance through to the next round. The only American woman in action also advanced as Christina McHale rallied for a three-set victory over New Zealand's Marina Erakovic.
For complete updates and coverage of the 2012 Autralian Open, please stay tuned to SB Nation's tennis hub.
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