Russian clay court specialist, Igor Andreyev, couldn't help the team get into this year's Davis Cup final (AFP Photo / Daniel Garcia)
Tennis: Russia crash out of Davis Cup
Published 22 September, 2008, 03:50
Edited 22 September, 2009, 06:15
Russia have been knocked out of this year's Davis Cup after losing their semi-final tie by 3-2 to Argentina in Buenos Aires. Igor Andreyev was crushed by Argentine Juan Martin del Potro 6-4, 6-2, 6-1 in the decisive rubb
The 19-year-old Argentine's win means his country will face Spain in the Davis Cup finals in two months' time.
The Russian team lost both singles matches on Friday but managed to stay in the competition thanks to a marathon doubles win. Igor Kunitsyn and Dmitry Tursunov beat David Nalbandian and Guillermo Canas 6-2, 6-1, 6-7, 3-6, 8-6. The win ended Nalbandian's record of 16 wins in as many Davis Cup rubbers on home soil.
Russian number one Nikolay Davydenko then levelled the match by beating Nalbandian 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-0, but it was to prove in vain as Andreyev was beaten in the decider.
Spain has won the competition twice in its history but the Argentines will be hoping to bring home the Davis Cup for the first time.
discuss it
