Nikolay Davydenko’s first-ever win over Juan Ignacio Chela has brought Russia the first point at the Davis Cup in Moscow.
Photo: Dmitry Azarov
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Argentina Levels with Russia at the Davis Cup
Davis Cup
Argentina has leveled with Russia at the Davis Cup in Moscow on Friday after David Nalbandian beat Russia’s Marat Safin 6-4 6-4 6-4. Earlier that afternoon Nikolay Davydenko overcame Juan Ignacio Chela 6-1 6-2 5-7 6-4. Saturday’s doubles is sure to become the highlight of the competition.
Moscow’s Olimpiysky Stadium was full of white and blue T-shirts on Friday as Argentina’s Juan Ignacio Chela went onto the court to play against the world’s third-best player, Russian Nikolay Davydenko. The Argentinean soccer legend Diego Maradona was also there to support his countrymen.
Davydenko, who had lost all five previous matches against Chela, dominated the first two sets, breaking the Argentinean twice in the second set and two times more in the sent one. Chela took the third set but Davydenko still seemed to be holding the situation under control. The Russian bounced back in the fourth set to seal a 6-1 6-2 5-7 6-4 victory in three hours.
Russia’s Marat Safin said before the draw that he would like to play second on Friday. He supposed that Davydenko would beat Chela, and in that case his rival, David Nalbandian would feel the pressure. Indeed, Russia was in the lead, and Safin did not have to worry too much.
Nalbandian, however, did not look as if he was under any pressure. On contrary, Safin looked tense. The Russian was unable to convert his first serve, letting the Argentinean break early in the opener. Despite serving 21 aces, Safin was unable to outhit Nalbandian, as the world number eight broke early in the second set and in the seventh game of the third set.
Nalbandian will be back in action on Saturday to play the doubles with Agustin Calleri against Russia’s Mikhail Yuzhny and Dmitry Tursunov.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Dec. 02, 2006
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