Davydenko Evens Russia-France Davis Cup at 1-1
Posted on July 16, 2005
Russia's Nikolay Davydenko made good on his word Friday in Moscow, returning from a wrist injury to even the Davis Cup tie between Russia and France at 1-1 after day one of play.
Without former No. 1 Marat Safin who is recovering from knee surgery, Russia was at a disadvantage entering the tie until Sebastien Grosjean pulled out on the opposition's side citing exhaustion.Davydenko beat historic French choker Paul-Henri Mathieu 7-5, 6-2, 7-5 after France's 19-year-old phenom Richard Gasquet gave the visitors the lead with a 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(1) win over Russian Igor Andreev."I wanted to play solidly from the baseline and make him make the mistakes," Davydenko said, needing six match points to complete the job. "The only time I didn't do that was in the third set, but I re-found my game plan in time to win in three sets."It was difficult to tell whether stress or injury caused Gasquet to suffer wrist problems during the match, with Gasquet himself pointing to the former, trying to shrug off nerves."I had stress cramps in my right wrist," Gasquet said. "I've been thinking of this match for the past 10 days, I've been so keen to play, and I think this can happen. But I'm so pleased to have won, I played nearly a perfect match."Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra are scheduled to face Andreev and Mikhail Youzhny Saturday in the doubles.-- Tennis-X.com
http://www.tennis-x.com/story/2005-07-16/k.php
Friday, July 15, 2005
RUSSIA v FRANCE
RUSSIA v FRANCE
In his Davis Cup debut, 19-year-old Frenchman Richard Gasquet shook off any signs of freshman nerves defeating Russia's Igor Andreev 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(1) to give France a 1-0 edge.
Nikolay Davydenko, playing in Russia's No. 1 position for the injured Marat Safin, has been beset by his own injuries since his semifinal appearance at Roland Garros but showed little wear in bringing the tie even into Saturday's doubles rubber at the Olympic Stadium in Moscow. He defeated Paul-Henri Mathieu 7-5, 6-2, 7-5.
http://www.atptennis.com/en/newsandscores/news/2005/daviscup_qf1.asp
In his Davis Cup debut, 19-year-old Frenchman Richard Gasquet shook off any signs of freshman nerves defeating Russia's Igor Andreev 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(1) to give France a 1-0 edge.
Nikolay Davydenko, playing in Russia's No. 1 position for the injured Marat Safin, has been beset by his own injuries since his semifinal appearance at Roland Garros but showed little wear in bringing the tie even into Saturday's doubles rubber at the Olympic Stadium in Moscow. He defeated Paul-Henri Mathieu 7-5, 6-2, 7-5.
http://www.atptennis.com/en/newsandscores/news/2005/daviscup_qf1.asp
Gasquet wins in Cup debut; Davydenko gets Russians even
Gasquet wins in Cup debut; Davydenko gets Russians even
July 15, 2005CBS SportsLine.com wire reports
MOSCOW -- Nikolay Davydenko defeated Paul-Henri Mathieu 7-5, 6-2, 7-5 to draw Russia level with France at 1-1 after the opening singles in a Davis Cup World Group quarterfinal Friday.
Earlier, French teenager Richard Gasquet gave his country a 1-0 lead, marking his Davis Cup debut with victory over Igor Andreev 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7-1).
"That's the least I could have expected," said French captain Guy Forget. "One-all -- it's still very open."
Davydenko, leading Russia in the absence of Marat Safin who has a knee injury, saved two break points in the eighth game of the first set and then two more in the tenth before breaking Mathieu to go 1-0 up in the match.
The Russian, ranked seventh in the world, then made quick work of Mathieu in the second set, winning four consecutive games for a 2-0 lead on the temporary clay court at Olympic indoor stadium.
In the third set, Davydenko jumped to a 5-2 lead and served for the match, but Mathieu, ranked 57th, saved two match points and broke back.
He saved three more match points on Davydenko's serve and leveled the set at 5-5. But the Frenchman made two unforced errors to leave Davydenko serving for the match again. The Russian closed it in 2 hours and 59 minutes when the Frenchman netted a backhand.
"I won because of my confidence, because I'm in the top-10 and can win even if I'm not in my top form," said Davydenko. "I knew that Mathieu was not a tough player and running for every ball was enough to beat him."
Davydenko had 11 aces to Mathieu's five.
http://www.sportsline.com/tennis/story/8647122/2
July 15, 2005CBS SportsLine.com wire reports
MOSCOW -- Nikolay Davydenko defeated Paul-Henri Mathieu 7-5, 6-2, 7-5 to draw Russia level with France at 1-1 after the opening singles in a Davis Cup World Group quarterfinal Friday.
Earlier, French teenager Richard Gasquet gave his country a 1-0 lead, marking his Davis Cup debut with victory over Igor Andreev 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7-1).
"That's the least I could have expected," said French captain Guy Forget. "One-all -- it's still very open."
Davydenko, leading Russia in the absence of Marat Safin who has a knee injury, saved two break points in the eighth game of the first set and then two more in the tenth before breaking Mathieu to go 1-0 up in the match.
The Russian, ranked seventh in the world, then made quick work of Mathieu in the second set, winning four consecutive games for a 2-0 lead on the temporary clay court at Olympic indoor stadium.
In the third set, Davydenko jumped to a 5-2 lead and served for the match, but Mathieu, ranked 57th, saved two match points and broke back.
He saved three more match points on Davydenko's serve and leveled the set at 5-5. But the Frenchman made two unforced errors to leave Davydenko serving for the match again. The Russian closed it in 2 hours and 59 minutes when the Frenchman netted a backhand.
"I won because of my confidence, because I'm in the top-10 and can win even if I'm not in my top form," said Davydenko. "I knew that Mathieu was not a tough player and running for every ball was enough to beat him."
Davydenko had 11 aces to Mathieu's five.
http://www.sportsline.com/tennis/story/8647122/2
Davydenko brings Russia level with France
Davydenko brings Russia level with France
By Gennady Fyodorov
MOSCOW, July 15 (Reuters) - Nikolay Davydenko levelled Russia's Davis Cup quarter-final against France at 1-1 by overpowering Paul-Henri Mathieu 7-5 6-2 7-5 on Friday.
Earlier French teenager Richard Gasquet, making his Davis Cup debut, gave the visitors a 1-0 lead by thrashing Igor Andreev 6-4 6-3 7-6 in the opening rubber.
After a tight opening set which lasted over an hour, Davydenko took complete control against Mathieu, breaking him twice to take a two-set lead on the clay court at Moscow's Olympic Stadium.
The world number seven, cheered on by an enthusiastic home crowd including former Russian President Boris Yeltsin, then broke his opponent twice more in the third to build a 5-2 lead before the Frenchman staged a late rally.
Mathieu saved two match points in the eighth game and three more in the 10th to level the score at 5-5 before the Russian finally sealed victory on his sixth opportunity two games later in just under three hours.
Davydenko said he had always been confident of beating Mathieu despite nursing a wrist injury.
"I'm a top 10 player, I've played many tough matches in the past so I was not nervous despite my injury," he said.
"Actually the wrist felt pretty good today and I have to thank the doctors for that, although I'm still afraid to volley. That's why tomorrow I don't think I'll play doubles where you need to volley a lot."
The Russian said he had been hoping to finish the match early.
"I know my game is still not 100 percent and I didn't want to go into the fourth set, to run for another hour, that's why I think at 5-2 I started rushing my shots a little bit and wasted five match points," he said. "But I'm glad I was able to re-group at 5-5."
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=reu-davisrussia&prov=reuters&type=lgns
By Gennady Fyodorov
MOSCOW, July 15 (Reuters) - Nikolay Davydenko levelled Russia's Davis Cup quarter-final against France at 1-1 by overpowering Paul-Henri Mathieu 7-5 6-2 7-5 on Friday.
Earlier French teenager Richard Gasquet, making his Davis Cup debut, gave the visitors a 1-0 lead by thrashing Igor Andreev 6-4 6-3 7-6 in the opening rubber.
After a tight opening set which lasted over an hour, Davydenko took complete control against Mathieu, breaking him twice to take a two-set lead on the clay court at Moscow's Olympic Stadium.
The world number seven, cheered on by an enthusiastic home crowd including former Russian President Boris Yeltsin, then broke his opponent twice more in the third to build a 5-2 lead before the Frenchman staged a late rally.
Mathieu saved two match points in the eighth game and three more in the 10th to level the score at 5-5 before the Russian finally sealed victory on his sixth opportunity two games later in just under three hours.
Davydenko said he had always been confident of beating Mathieu despite nursing a wrist injury.
"I'm a top 10 player, I've played many tough matches in the past so I was not nervous despite my injury," he said.
"Actually the wrist felt pretty good today and I have to thank the doctors for that, although I'm still afraid to volley. That's why tomorrow I don't think I'll play doubles where you need to volley a lot."
The Russian said he had been hoping to finish the match early.
"I know my game is still not 100 percent and I didn't want to go into the fourth set, to run for another hour, that's why I think at 5-2 I started rushing my shots a little bit and wasted five match points," he said. "But I'm glad I was able to re-group at 5-5."
http://sports.yahoo.com/ten/news?slug=reu-davisrussia&prov=reuters&type=lgns
Davydenko cancels out France's lead
Davydenko cancels out France's lead
Shamil Tarpischev's gamble in playing Nikolay Davydenko paid off, as the Russian No 1 in the absence of Marat Safin beat France's Paul-Henri Mathieu in straight sets to level the Russia v France quarterfinal at 1-1 after the first day.Davydenko had played just two matches since getting to the French Open semifinals in early June, both resulting in retirements due to an inflammation of his wrist. But both the wrist and his legs held up under the pressure of having to make good a 0-1 deficit, Davydenko beating Mathieu 75 62 75 after receiving treatment for mild thigh cramps early in the third set.The result cancelled out Richard Gasquet's impressive Davis Cup by BNP Paribas debut, the 19-year-old Frenchman having earlier beaten Igor Andreev 64 63 76(1) to give France the early lead.Though this tie is being played indoors in Russia's Olympic Stadium, Davydenko and Mathieu played to the sound of thunder rumbling outside, as the humidity of a hot Moscow afternoon broke. And it was Mathieu who threatened to strike like lightning as he opened up seven break point opportunities in the first set, two of them set points at 4-5 on the Davydenko serve. But on the first he hit a backhand into the net, and on the second a forehand landed in the same place. In the next game the Russian broke, and was never behind after that."That was my tactic," said Davydenko afterwards. "I wanted to play solidly from the baseline and make him make the mistakes. The only time I didn't do that was in the third set, but I re-found my game plan in time to win in three sets."Leading 5-2 in the third set with a double break, Davydenko had two match points, but conceded his serve for the first time in the match. At 5-4 he had three more but conceded his serve again as Mathieu seemed to relax. But Davydenko broke for 6-5, to end Mathieu's impressive run of three successive Davis Cup victories dating back to his five-sets win over Carlos Moya last September.Gasquet's win must count as one of the most impressive Davis Cup debuts in recent years. The 19-year-old could have been forgiven for being a little nervous, but there were no signs of it early on. In fact it took until the third game for him to make an unforced error, and the only time the nerves set in were at the end when he squandered a 4-2 lead in the third set, before recovering to run out a 64 63 76(1) winner.But the nerves could have played a bigger part. "I had stress cramps in my right wrist," Gasquet said afterwards. "I've been thinking of this match for the past 10 days, I've been so keen to play, and I think this can happen. But I'm so pleased to have won, I played nearly a perfect match."Gasquet received treatment at 3-2 in the third set after dropping his racked in pain after a smash. He held for 4-2, but then Andreev played his best tennis of the match. He broke back and forced Gasquet to serve twice to stay in the third set. But once the set was in the tiebreak, the Frenchman clearly felt he had weathered the storm, and another effective dropshot allowed him to finish the tiebreak - and the match - for the loss of just one point."I don't know what I could have done differently," said Andreev, paying a compliment to his opponent. "He was just too solid. He was too good."France will start favourites for the doubles, with Arnaud Clément and Michael Llodra named to face Andreev and Mikhail Youzhny. France's captain Guy Forget said he expected Davydenko to come in to partner Andreev, as the two play regularly on the tour, but Davydenko suggested after beating Mathieu that his wrist would need a day's rest, especially as he feels it most on the volley and there are a lot more volleys in doubles than in singles.
http://www.daviscup.com/news/matchreport.asp?id=13301
Shamil Tarpischev's gamble in playing Nikolay Davydenko paid off, as the Russian No 1 in the absence of Marat Safin beat France's Paul-Henri Mathieu in straight sets to level the Russia v France quarterfinal at 1-1 after the first day.Davydenko had played just two matches since getting to the French Open semifinals in early June, both resulting in retirements due to an inflammation of his wrist. But both the wrist and his legs held up under the pressure of having to make good a 0-1 deficit, Davydenko beating Mathieu 75 62 75 after receiving treatment for mild thigh cramps early in the third set.The result cancelled out Richard Gasquet's impressive Davis Cup by BNP Paribas debut, the 19-year-old Frenchman having earlier beaten Igor Andreev 64 63 76(1) to give France the early lead.Though this tie is being played indoors in Russia's Olympic Stadium, Davydenko and Mathieu played to the sound of thunder rumbling outside, as the humidity of a hot Moscow afternoon broke. And it was Mathieu who threatened to strike like lightning as he opened up seven break point opportunities in the first set, two of them set points at 4-5 on the Davydenko serve. But on the first he hit a backhand into the net, and on the second a forehand landed in the same place. In the next game the Russian broke, and was never behind after that."That was my tactic," said Davydenko afterwards. "I wanted to play solidly from the baseline and make him make the mistakes. The only time I didn't do that was in the third set, but I re-found my game plan in time to win in three sets."Leading 5-2 in the third set with a double break, Davydenko had two match points, but conceded his serve for the first time in the match. At 5-4 he had three more but conceded his serve again as Mathieu seemed to relax. But Davydenko broke for 6-5, to end Mathieu's impressive run of three successive Davis Cup victories dating back to his five-sets win over Carlos Moya last September.Gasquet's win must count as one of the most impressive Davis Cup debuts in recent years. The 19-year-old could have been forgiven for being a little nervous, but there were no signs of it early on. In fact it took until the third game for him to make an unforced error, and the only time the nerves set in were at the end when he squandered a 4-2 lead in the third set, before recovering to run out a 64 63 76(1) winner.But the nerves could have played a bigger part. "I had stress cramps in my right wrist," Gasquet said afterwards. "I've been thinking of this match for the past 10 days, I've been so keen to play, and I think this can happen. But I'm so pleased to have won, I played nearly a perfect match."Gasquet received treatment at 3-2 in the third set after dropping his racked in pain after a smash. He held for 4-2, but then Andreev played his best tennis of the match. He broke back and forced Gasquet to serve twice to stay in the third set. But once the set was in the tiebreak, the Frenchman clearly felt he had weathered the storm, and another effective dropshot allowed him to finish the tiebreak - and the match - for the loss of just one point."I don't know what I could have done differently," said Andreev, paying a compliment to his opponent. "He was just too solid. He was too good."France will start favourites for the doubles, with Arnaud Clément and Michael Llodra named to face Andreev and Mikhail Youzhny. France's captain Guy Forget said he expected Davydenko to come in to partner Andreev, as the two play regularly on the tour, but Davydenko suggested after beating Mathieu that his wrist would need a day's rest, especially as he feels it most on the volley and there are a lot more volleys in doubles than in singles.
http://www.daviscup.com/news/matchreport.asp?id=13301
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Davydenko's wrist causing headaches for Russia
Davydenko's wrist causing headaches for Russia
With three days to go before Russia and France play for a place in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas semifinals, the health of Nikolay Davydenko's wrist is still causing concern among the Russian camp.Already missing Marat Safin, who is taking four weeks off to let a knee inflammation heal, the Russians are heavily dependent on Davydenko, who was a semifinalist at Roland Garros and whose position of fifth in the ATP Champions Race testifies to the fact that he is having the best year of his career.Davydenko withdrew from his second round match at Wimbledon against Jonas Björkman because of an inflammation in his left wrist. He rested the wrist before heading to Gstaad, where, after taking the first set 6-1 in his first round match against Sargis Sargsian, the problem flared up again."Nikolay will be ready to play on Friday," said Russia's captain Shamil Tarpischev, who, having celebrated Russia's Fed Cup semifinal triumph over the USA last weekend, is looking to become the first captain of any nation to steer his country to Fed Cup and Davis Cup success in the same year.But the confidence from the players was less convincing. Mikhail Youzhny, who is expected to play second singles behind Davydenko or first ahead of Igor Andreev if Davydenko can't play, said: "I don't know who's going to be in the team. Marat has an injury, and we don't know about Nikolay's injury." Davydenko himself said: "The doctors have said it needs a few more days of rehabilitation. I should be fit to play Friday, but we'll see."Davydenko's problem presents a further headache for Tarpischev, who was at pains to stress that "Marat Safin is not out of the team, he has never refused to play for Russia, he is just injured". But Safin played on all three days of Russia's first round win against Chile, and his absence inevitably prompted the question about who would represent Russia in the doubles. "Davydenko and Andreev have played together on the tour," said Tarpischev, "but it could also be Youzhny and anybody else."If Russia's injury problems are adding to France's attractiveness with the bookmakers (some of whom are making France favourites to lift the Davis Cup in December), the French captain Guy Forget is taking no notice. The master tactician is still talking about Russia being the favourites, and talks about his own team as a "team of the future", with Richard Gasquet playing his first Davis Cup match on Friday, and Gaël Monfils brought along for the experience.Even without Sebastien Grosjean, who is on holiday with his family to recover from an intense French Open and Wimbledon period, France look to have a strong team, with Gasquet and Paul-Henri Mathieu likely to play singles, and the doubles specialist Michael Llodra certain to team up on Saturday with Arnaud Clement, who is sporting a new severely cropped haircut in Moscow. "I like it because I like the feel of the hair grease on my hands," Clement joked at a news conference on Tuesday.At that conference, Russia's journalists inevitably wanted to probe Mathieu about facing Youzhny, the man who came back from two sets down to beat the Davis Cup debutant Frenchman in the fifth and decisive rubber of the 2002 final. "It's no big deal," said Mathieu, "that was three years ago, and I've played Mikhail since then." Yes, but he has a 0-3 head-to-head against Youzhny, and their only meeting since the 2002 final ended in victory for Youzhny after Mathieu had again taken the opening set.The speculation as to who will play will end on Thursday lunchtime when the draw is made. But Youzhny added a note of caution for those looking to pre-judge the tie: "I tell you," he said, "I think everybody from our team and everybody from the French team can beat everybody in this match."
http://www.daviscup.com/news/newsarticle.asp?id=13261
With three days to go before Russia and France play for a place in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas semifinals, the health of Nikolay Davydenko's wrist is still causing concern among the Russian camp.Already missing Marat Safin, who is taking four weeks off to let a knee inflammation heal, the Russians are heavily dependent on Davydenko, who was a semifinalist at Roland Garros and whose position of fifth in the ATP Champions Race testifies to the fact that he is having the best year of his career.Davydenko withdrew from his second round match at Wimbledon against Jonas Björkman because of an inflammation in his left wrist. He rested the wrist before heading to Gstaad, where, after taking the first set 6-1 in his first round match against Sargis Sargsian, the problem flared up again."Nikolay will be ready to play on Friday," said Russia's captain Shamil Tarpischev, who, having celebrated Russia's Fed Cup semifinal triumph over the USA last weekend, is looking to become the first captain of any nation to steer his country to Fed Cup and Davis Cup success in the same year.But the confidence from the players was less convincing. Mikhail Youzhny, who is expected to play second singles behind Davydenko or first ahead of Igor Andreev if Davydenko can't play, said: "I don't know who's going to be in the team. Marat has an injury, and we don't know about Nikolay's injury." Davydenko himself said: "The doctors have said it needs a few more days of rehabilitation. I should be fit to play Friday, but we'll see."Davydenko's problem presents a further headache for Tarpischev, who was at pains to stress that "Marat Safin is not out of the team, he has never refused to play for Russia, he is just injured". But Safin played on all three days of Russia's first round win against Chile, and his absence inevitably prompted the question about who would represent Russia in the doubles. "Davydenko and Andreev have played together on the tour," said Tarpischev, "but it could also be Youzhny and anybody else."If Russia's injury problems are adding to France's attractiveness with the bookmakers (some of whom are making France favourites to lift the Davis Cup in December), the French captain Guy Forget is taking no notice. The master tactician is still talking about Russia being the favourites, and talks about his own team as a "team of the future", with Richard Gasquet playing his first Davis Cup match on Friday, and Gaël Monfils brought along for the experience.Even without Sebastien Grosjean, who is on holiday with his family to recover from an intense French Open and Wimbledon period, France look to have a strong team, with Gasquet and Paul-Henri Mathieu likely to play singles, and the doubles specialist Michael Llodra certain to team up on Saturday with Arnaud Clement, who is sporting a new severely cropped haircut in Moscow. "I like it because I like the feel of the hair grease on my hands," Clement joked at a news conference on Tuesday.At that conference, Russia's journalists inevitably wanted to probe Mathieu about facing Youzhny, the man who came back from two sets down to beat the Davis Cup debutant Frenchman in the fifth and decisive rubber of the 2002 final. "It's no big deal," said Mathieu, "that was three years ago, and I've played Mikhail since then." Yes, but he has a 0-3 head-to-head against Youzhny, and their only meeting since the 2002 final ended in victory for Youzhny after Mathieu had again taken the opening set.The speculation as to who will play will end on Thursday lunchtime when the draw is made. But Youzhny added a note of caution for those looking to pre-judge the tie: "I tell you," he said, "I think everybody from our team and everybody from the French team can beat everybody in this match."
http://www.daviscup.com/news/newsarticle.asp?id=13261
Davydenko doubt hits Russia's plans
Davydenko doubt hits Russia's plans
The 2002 champions, who had already lost Australian Open champion Safin with a knee injury, could also be without Davydenko, who is nursing a painful wrist injury.
The French Open semi-finalist, however, said he would be fit for the tie on clay at Moscow's Olympic Stadium.
"I'll be ready to play come Friday and unlike Wimbledon, I'll finish the match no matter what. I can promise you that," said Davydenko, who retired injured from his second-round match against Sweden's Jonas Bjorkman at Wimbledon last month.
But Russia's world number seven, who also retired from his opening match at last week's Gstaad Open with the same problem, would not disclose the details of his injury.
"No, I won't go into the specifics," he said. "All I can say is that it is being treated on a daily basis.
"I was told that I don't have any ligament damage. It's just an inflammation of a joint, so I should be okay for Friday."
If Davydenko is unable to play, Tarpishchev would have to look to Mikhail Youzhny to reproduce his 2002 heroics.
Then, Youzhny came from two sets down to beat Paul-Henri Mathieu in the deciding fifth rubber in Paris to clinch Russia's first Davis Cup title.
France captain Guy Forget, who is looking to rising teenage talent Richard Gasquet to spearhead the French challenge, refused to accept that the injuries gave his team the edge.
"I don't think you can call us favourites," he said. "With Marat in the team Russia are certainly one of the best teams in the world but even without him, they're still an unbelievable team, no question about it.
"We have a young, ambitious team," added Forget. "If we play good quality tennis, then we have a chance."
The tie will be the first meeting between the two nations since Russia's victory in the 2002 final at Bercy.
http://www.eurosport.co.uk/home/pages/v4/l2/s57/sport_lng2_spo57_sto741267.shtml
The 2002 champions, who had already lost Australian Open champion Safin with a knee injury, could also be without Davydenko, who is nursing a painful wrist injury.
The French Open semi-finalist, however, said he would be fit for the tie on clay at Moscow's Olympic Stadium.
"I'll be ready to play come Friday and unlike Wimbledon, I'll finish the match no matter what. I can promise you that," said Davydenko, who retired injured from his second-round match against Sweden's Jonas Bjorkman at Wimbledon last month.
But Russia's world number seven, who also retired from his opening match at last week's Gstaad Open with the same problem, would not disclose the details of his injury.
"No, I won't go into the specifics," he said. "All I can say is that it is being treated on a daily basis.
"I was told that I don't have any ligament damage. It's just an inflammation of a joint, so I should be okay for Friday."
If Davydenko is unable to play, Tarpishchev would have to look to Mikhail Youzhny to reproduce his 2002 heroics.
Then, Youzhny came from two sets down to beat Paul-Henri Mathieu in the deciding fifth rubber in Paris to clinch Russia's first Davis Cup title.
France captain Guy Forget, who is looking to rising teenage talent Richard Gasquet to spearhead the French challenge, refused to accept that the injuries gave his team the edge.
"I don't think you can call us favourites," he said. "With Marat in the team Russia are certainly one of the best teams in the world but even without him, they're still an unbelievable team, no question about it.
"We have a young, ambitious team," added Forget. "If we play good quality tennis, then we have a chance."
The tie will be the first meeting between the two nations since Russia's victory in the 2002 final at Bercy.
http://www.eurosport.co.uk/home/pages/v4/l2/s57/sport_lng2_spo57_sto741267.shtml
Davydenko to play through pain
Davydenko to play through pain
The world number seven, nursing a wrist injury, will play number one for Russia after Australian Open champion Marat Safin pulled out of the squad with a knee injury.
"The wrist is better," Davydenko said after Thursday's draw, which pits him against Paul-Henri Mathieu on Friday.
Russian number two Igor Andreev plays French teenager Richard Gasquet.
"I'm going into the match with Mathieu intending to finish it and not only to finish it but to win it," said Davydenko, who retired from his last two matches because of the injury.
"I'm going to give it all on Friday and we'll see what happens after that."
Gasquet will be making his Davis Cup debut on clay at Moscow's Olympic Stadium. The 19-year-old reached the world's top 20 for the first time after winning his maiden ATP title in Nottingham last month.
He has posted some impressive victories this season, including beating world number one Roger Federer on clay in the Monte Carlo Masters.
"Of course right now I feel a bit nervous, but tomorrow when I step on the court I'm sure I'll be ready to fight," said the French number one.
France captain Guy Forget backed Gasquet.
"The ones who are playing singles have the best results on clay this season," said Forget.
"I think it's the wisest choice. It seems logical."
RUSSIA SURPRISE
Meanwhile, Russia captain Shamil Tarpishchev surprised observers when he picked Davydenko over 2002 Davis Cup hero Mikhail Youzhny.
"The fact is that every one of our players is ready to play but we decided to go with Andreev and Davydenko to make it more difficult for our opponents and at the same time to give our team more options," Tarpishchev said.
The tie is the first meeting between the two nations since the 2002 final when Youzhny came from two sets down to beat Mathieu in the deciding fifth rubber in Paris to clinch Russia's first Davis Cup title.
Forget, a losing captain in 2002, was philosophical about that defeat.
"Of course, it is still a big memory for us but a lot of things have happened since," he said.
"It was a great sporting event which we lost in a fair manner and we all, including myself, have learnt from it. But now we have a new team which has a bright future."
http://www.eurosport.co.uk/home/pages/v4/l0/s57/e7329/sport_lng0_spo57_evt7329_sto741917.shtml
The world number seven, nursing a wrist injury, will play number one for Russia after Australian Open champion Marat Safin pulled out of the squad with a knee injury.
"The wrist is better," Davydenko said after Thursday's draw, which pits him against Paul-Henri Mathieu on Friday.
Russian number two Igor Andreev plays French teenager Richard Gasquet.
"I'm going into the match with Mathieu intending to finish it and not only to finish it but to win it," said Davydenko, who retired from his last two matches because of the injury.
"I'm going to give it all on Friday and we'll see what happens after that."
Gasquet will be making his Davis Cup debut on clay at Moscow's Olympic Stadium. The 19-year-old reached the world's top 20 for the first time after winning his maiden ATP title in Nottingham last month.
He has posted some impressive victories this season, including beating world number one Roger Federer on clay in the Monte Carlo Masters.
"Of course right now I feel a bit nervous, but tomorrow when I step on the court I'm sure I'll be ready to fight," said the French number one.
France captain Guy Forget backed Gasquet.
"The ones who are playing singles have the best results on clay this season," said Forget.
"I think it's the wisest choice. It seems logical."
RUSSIA SURPRISE
Meanwhile, Russia captain Shamil Tarpishchev surprised observers when he picked Davydenko over 2002 Davis Cup hero Mikhail Youzhny.
"The fact is that every one of our players is ready to play but we decided to go with Andreev and Davydenko to make it more difficult for our opponents and at the same time to give our team more options," Tarpishchev said.
The tie is the first meeting between the two nations since the 2002 final when Youzhny came from two sets down to beat Mathieu in the deciding fifth rubber in Paris to clinch Russia's first Davis Cup title.
Forget, a losing captain in 2002, was philosophical about that defeat.
"Of course, it is still a big memory for us but a lot of things have happened since," he said.
"It was a great sporting event which we lost in a fair manner and we all, including myself, have learnt from it. But now we have a new team which has a bright future."
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Four of the five seeded players in action on Monday advanced during first round play of the Internationaler BTM Power Grand Prix in St. Poelten.
16. Mai, 2005• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Four Seeds Advance, No. 3 Andreev Upset • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Four of the five seeded players in action on Monday advanced during first round play of the Internationaler BTM Power Grand Prix in St. Poelten. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Argentina's Jose Acasuso was the only player to upset a seed on Monday as he took out No. 3 Igor Andreev 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Top seed Nikolay Davydenko advanced with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Slovakian qualifier Michal Mertinak. Breaks of serve in the third and ninth game of the opening set put Davydenko up early. The players exchanged breaks early in the second set, but Davydenko, who faced only two break points all day, prevailed in straight sets.
Davydenko advances to play Sjeng Schalken, who was a winner yesterday. Schalken owns a 2-1 advantage all-time against the Russian, including a three set win in Marseille in February.
Austrian native and No. 4 seed Jurgen Melzer defeated countryman and wild card entrant Marco Mirnegg 6-3, 6-1. Melzer broke in the second game and led 3-0 before Mirnegg leveled the match at 3-all. Mirnegg proceeded to lose seven consecutive games, to put the match out of reach.
Fifth seed Mariano Puerta defeated Alex Calatrava 7-5, 6-2. After Puerta took a 4-1 lead, Calatrava battled back to make it 4-4, but Puerta recorded his third break of the opening set in the decisive 12 th game. A break in the fifth game of the second set secured Puerta's victory.
Seventh seed Potito Starace downed Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 7-6 (2) to advance to the second round.
Nicolas Almagro bested big-serving Ivo Karlovic in a pair of tie-breaks for a 7-6 (2), 7-6 (3) win, while Spanish wild card Felix Mantilla outlasted countryman and qualifier Francisco Fogues 7-6 (10), 7-5.
Gilles Muller advanced after taking the first set when Albert Montanes retired with a lower back injury. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, and David Sanchez were also winners on Monday.
In doubles, the top seeded team of Cyril Suk and Pavel Vizner advanced with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Daniel Koellerer and Peter Luczak.
Also winning in doubles were the teams of Graydon Oliver and Jared Palmer and that of Petr Pala and Tomas Zib.
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID...
Davydenko: "I am happy that I won quite easily today because I feel really tired. I am coming off a strong week in Hamburg last week and it was not easy to be fit on the court today."
"My goal this week is to play relaxed and to try to rest and recover from last week."
"My next match is against Sjeng Schalken, it will be difficult. He doesn't like to play long points and tries to go for winners most of the time. I hope I will be in good form."
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Top seed Nikolay Davydenko advanced with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Slovakian qualifier Michal Mertinak. Breaks of serve in the third and ninth game of the opening set put Davydenko up early. The players exchanged breaks early in the second set, but Davydenko, who faced only two break points all day, prevailed in straight sets.
Davydenko advances to play Sjeng Schalken, who was a winner yesterday. Schalken owns a 2-1 advantage all-time against the Russian, including a three set win in Marseille in February.
Austrian native and No. 4 seed Jurgen Melzer defeated countryman and wild card entrant Marco Mirnegg 6-3, 6-1. Melzer broke in the second game and led 3-0 before Mirnegg leveled the match at 3-all. Mirnegg proceeded to lose seven consecutive games, to put the match out of reach.
Fifth seed Mariano Puerta defeated Alex Calatrava 7-5, 6-2. After Puerta took a 4-1 lead, Calatrava battled back to make it 4-4, but Puerta recorded his third break of the opening set in the decisive 12 th game. A break in the fifth game of the second set secured Puerta's victory.
Seventh seed Potito Starace downed Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 7-6 (2) to advance to the second round.
Nicolas Almagro bested big-serving Ivo Karlovic in a pair of tie-breaks for a 7-6 (2), 7-6 (3) win, while Spanish wild card Felix Mantilla outlasted countryman and qualifier Francisco Fogues 7-6 (10), 7-5.
Gilles Muller advanced after taking the first set when Albert Montanes retired with a lower back injury. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, and David Sanchez were also winners on Monday.
In doubles, the top seeded team of Cyril Suk and Pavel Vizner advanced with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Daniel Koellerer and Peter Luczak.
Also winning in doubles were the teams of Graydon Oliver and Jared Palmer and that of Petr Pala and Tomas Zib.
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID...
Davydenko: "I am happy that I won quite easily today because I feel really tired. I am coming off a strong week in Hamburg last week and it was not easy to be fit on the court today."
"My goal this week is to play relaxed and to try to rest and recover from last week."
"My next match is against Sjeng Schalken, it will be difficult. He doesn't like to play long points and tries to go for winners most of the time. I hope I will be in good form."
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Acasuso, Rochus Work Overtime to Reach Semifinals
19. Mai, 2005• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Acasuso, Rochus Work Overtime to Reach Semifinals• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Argentine Jose Acasuso and Belgian Christophe Rochus both survived ‘double duty’ on Thursday to advance to the semifinals of the Internationaler BTM-Power Grand Prix in St. Poelten.
Acasuso defeated fast-rising Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 6-4, 6-4 in their rain-delayed second round meeting and then backed up to beat German qualifier Michael Kohlmann 6-2, 7-6(5) in the quarterfinals.
Acasuso took and early 4-0 lead and held serve to close the first set 6-2. In the second set, both players held serve until the tie-break. Acasuso served 5 aces and 2 double faults and never faced a break point in the first set and saved both break points in the second set.
In the semifinals Acasuso will meet top seed Nikolay Davydenko, who defeated Felix Mantilla6-3, 7-5.
Rochus has followed up his surprise run to the Masters Series Rome semifinals by reaching the St. Poelten semifinals. Like Acasuso, Rochus had to win two matches Thursday, first defeating Davide Sanguinetti 6-3, 6-3 in the second round and then Guillermo Garcia Lopez 6-3, 6-4 in the quarterfinals.
Rochus next meets fourth-seeded Austrian Jurgen Melzer, who needed more than two hours to defeat Spanish qualifier David Sanchez 5-7, 6-4, 6-4. Sanchez took an early 2-0 lead in the final set but Melzer broke back at 2-3. Sanchez broke again in the seventh game but lost his serve right back and lost three consecutive games and the match.
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID...
Davydenko: "The key today has been my plan for the whole week. Try to play short point, hit some winners and serve well."
"I have been playing many matches lately and after Hamburg I was really tired. I feel already much better because I played three good and short matches which helped me to recover from last week. This is great preparation for Roland Garros next week."
Acasuso: "The key today was that I kept my concentration in the two matches, this morning against Nicolas Almagro and this afternoon against Michael Kohlmann. I saw that Kohlmann was a little tired after all the matches he played here and I focused on controlling the points and making him run as much as possible."
"I play next against Nikolay Davydenko who is a very tough opponent. He has been playing extremely well lately, but I feel really confident and am playing well at the moment so I believe in my chances."
"I am feeling well physically. I am happy about my game these past days, winning matches is really good for me and probably the best preparation right before Roland Garros."
Melzer: "Today I never stopped fighting and believing in myself and this why I won because I think I played today my worst tennis in this past year. At the end, in the last three game I played a little better, put some pressure on his backhand, came in to the net and made him hit a few passing shots. “
“If I play Christophe Rochus tomorrow, it will be difficult because he is in good form at the moment. I think it will be a similar game to today.”
FRIDAY PREVIEW Top seed Nikolay Davydenko will look to convert his fourth semifinal appearance of the season into his first ATP final of the year when he meets Jose Acasuso in today’s St. Poelten semifinals. The Russian is appearing in his third semifinal of the European clay court swing (Barcelona, Hamburg).
Davydenko has won four career titles, including Munich and Moscow last year.
Acasuso is appearing in his second semifinal of the year (Buenos Aires). The Argentine’s two career titles have both come on clay: Bucharest (2004) and Sopot (2002).
In search of his first ATP title, fourth seed Jurgen Melzer will appear in his third semifinal of the year when he plays in-form Christophe Rochus. Melzer recently reached the semifinals of the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships (l. to Roddick).
Belgian Christophe Rochus is 13-10 on the year and is fast closing on his career-best season of 15-23 in 2000. He has won between 10 and 15 matches a season for the past five years.
Rochus last week achieved his best career result by advancing to the semifinals of Masters Series Rome (l. to Gasquet).Copyright © ATP
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Argentine Jose Acasuso and Belgian Christophe Rochus both survived ‘double duty’ on Thursday to advance to the semifinals of the Internationaler BTM-Power Grand Prix in St. Poelten.
Acasuso defeated fast-rising Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 6-4, 6-4 in their rain-delayed second round meeting and then backed up to beat German qualifier Michael Kohlmann 6-2, 7-6(5) in the quarterfinals.
Acasuso took and early 4-0 lead and held serve to close the first set 6-2. In the second set, both players held serve until the tie-break. Acasuso served 5 aces and 2 double faults and never faced a break point in the first set and saved both break points in the second set.
In the semifinals Acasuso will meet top seed Nikolay Davydenko, who defeated Felix Mantilla6-3, 7-5.
Rochus has followed up his surprise run to the Masters Series Rome semifinals by reaching the St. Poelten semifinals. Like Acasuso, Rochus had to win two matches Thursday, first defeating Davide Sanguinetti 6-3, 6-3 in the second round and then Guillermo Garcia Lopez 6-3, 6-4 in the quarterfinals.
Rochus next meets fourth-seeded Austrian Jurgen Melzer, who needed more than two hours to defeat Spanish qualifier David Sanchez 5-7, 6-4, 6-4. Sanchez took an early 2-0 lead in the final set but Melzer broke back at 2-3. Sanchez broke again in the seventh game but lost his serve right back and lost three consecutive games and the match.
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID...
Davydenko: "The key today has been my plan for the whole week. Try to play short point, hit some winners and serve well."
"I have been playing many matches lately and after Hamburg I was really tired. I feel already much better because I played three good and short matches which helped me to recover from last week. This is great preparation for Roland Garros next week."
Acasuso: "The key today was that I kept my concentration in the two matches, this morning against Nicolas Almagro and this afternoon against Michael Kohlmann. I saw that Kohlmann was a little tired after all the matches he played here and I focused on controlling the points and making him run as much as possible."
"I play next against Nikolay Davydenko who is a very tough opponent. He has been playing extremely well lately, but I feel really confident and am playing well at the moment so I believe in my chances."
"I am feeling well physically. I am happy about my game these past days, winning matches is really good for me and probably the best preparation right before Roland Garros."
Melzer: "Today I never stopped fighting and believing in myself and this why I won because I think I played today my worst tennis in this past year. At the end, in the last three game I played a little better, put some pressure on his backhand, came in to the net and made him hit a few passing shots. “
“If I play Christophe Rochus tomorrow, it will be difficult because he is in good form at the moment. I think it will be a similar game to today.”
FRIDAY PREVIEW Top seed Nikolay Davydenko will look to convert his fourth semifinal appearance of the season into his first ATP final of the year when he meets Jose Acasuso in today’s St. Poelten semifinals. The Russian is appearing in his third semifinal of the European clay court swing (Barcelona, Hamburg).
Davydenko has won four career titles, including Munich and Moscow last year.
Acasuso is appearing in his second semifinal of the year (Buenos Aires). The Argentine’s two career titles have both come on clay: Bucharest (2004) and Sopot (2002).
In search of his first ATP title, fourth seed Jurgen Melzer will appear in his third semifinal of the year when he plays in-form Christophe Rochus. Melzer recently reached the semifinals of the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships (l. to Roddick).
Belgian Christophe Rochus is 13-10 on the year and is fast closing on his career-best season of 15-23 in 2000. He has won between 10 and 15 matches a season for the past five years.
Rochus last week achieved his best career result by advancing to the semifinals of Masters Series Rome (l. to Gasquet).Copyright © ATP
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Davydenko and Melzer to Meet in Final
20. Mai, 2005• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •Davydenko and Melzer to Meet in Final• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Local favorite Jurgen Melzer and top seed Nikolay Davydenko advanced at the Internationaler BTM-Power Grand Prix on Friday to reach their first ATP final of the year .
Melzer was the first player to clinch a final berth, recording a straight-set victory over in-form Belgian Christophe Rochus.
Seeded No. 4, the 23-year-old Austrian, who was playing in his third semifinal of the year (San Jose, Houston) needed 1 hour, 11 minutes to defeat Rochus, 6-4, 6-3.
In the second semifinal, top seed Nikolay Davydenko recorded a third career win over Argentine Jose Acasuso to advance to his first final of the year.
Davydenko, who has shown great form on the European clay in the past weeks, having reached the semifinals of Barcelona and Hamburg, booked his place in the final with a 6-4, 6-2 win in 1 hour, 20 minutes.
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID...
Davydenko: “In the first set I wasn't feeling great. I wasn't concentrating at ll on the match, my body was tired and feeling strange but I managed to win it in the end which made things easier.
In the second set, I got more into the match, started to play and feel better and foughtevery single point which allowed me to close the match easily.”
About playing Jurgen Melzer in the final: “I expect a difficult match tomorrow but I think that if I am not tired and fit I can win any match. I will definitely try to be more concentrated and not make any silly mistake.”
Melzer: "What made the difference today is that I played much better than the last couple of days, and from the very beginning I put a lot of pressure on his serve forcing him to come up with good shots to hold serves. When we were rallying from the baseline I tried to come in as much as possible and it worked well. I know I don't play everyday like, but I really feel that today there is not much to say about my game.”
About being in his second career final: “It will be for sure a tough match for me because I lost to both guys once this year. If I play like today I really think I can win this match, and especially in front of the home crowd, I am going to do everything I can to win.”
On his condition: “It has been a tough week for me. I have played many matches in singles and doubles. I am still in both draws, but when you are in front on home crowd, everything is fine.”
FINAL PREVIEW:
No. 4 seed Jurgen Melzer is looking to lift a first career trophy in front of his home crowd when he takes on top seed Nikolay Davydenko.
23-year-old Melzer, who is playing in his second career final after Newport 2003 (l. to Robby Ginepri) is hoping to record a first career win over the Russian from Moscow, to whom he has previously lost once (2005 ATP Masters Series Monte-Carlo).
Melzer, who is playing in St. Poelten for the fifth time, recorded his best result in 2004 when he lost in the semifinals against Xavier Malisse, and now holds a 9-4 singles record at the tournament.
Currently ranked No. 10 in the INDESIT ATP 2005 Race, Davydenko is hoping to clinch a first title of 2005 and fifth overall career title (Adelaide, Estoril – 2003; Munich, Moscow – 2004).
The 2003 St. Poelten finalist (l. to Andy Roddick), is looking on Saturday to improve his 2005 record to 27-14.
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Local favorite Jurgen Melzer and top seed Nikolay Davydenko advanced at the Internationaler BTM-Power Grand Prix on Friday to reach their first ATP final of the year .
Melzer was the first player to clinch a final berth, recording a straight-set victory over in-form Belgian Christophe Rochus.
Seeded No. 4, the 23-year-old Austrian, who was playing in his third semifinal of the year (San Jose, Houston) needed 1 hour, 11 minutes to defeat Rochus, 6-4, 6-3.
In the second semifinal, top seed Nikolay Davydenko recorded a third career win over Argentine Jose Acasuso to advance to his first final of the year.
Davydenko, who has shown great form on the European clay in the past weeks, having reached the semifinals of Barcelona and Hamburg, booked his place in the final with a 6-4, 6-2 win in 1 hour, 20 minutes.
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID...
Davydenko: “In the first set I wasn't feeling great. I wasn't concentrating at ll on the match, my body was tired and feeling strange but I managed to win it in the end which made things easier.
In the second set, I got more into the match, started to play and feel better and foughtevery single point which allowed me to close the match easily.”
About playing Jurgen Melzer in the final: “I expect a difficult match tomorrow but I think that if I am not tired and fit I can win any match. I will definitely try to be more concentrated and not make any silly mistake.”
Melzer: "What made the difference today is that I played much better than the last couple of days, and from the very beginning I put a lot of pressure on his serve forcing him to come up with good shots to hold serves. When we were rallying from the baseline I tried to come in as much as possible and it worked well. I know I don't play everyday like, but I really feel that today there is not much to say about my game.”
About being in his second career final: “It will be for sure a tough match for me because I lost to both guys once this year. If I play like today I really think I can win this match, and especially in front of the home crowd, I am going to do everything I can to win.”
On his condition: “It has been a tough week for me. I have played many matches in singles and doubles. I am still in both draws, but when you are in front on home crowd, everything is fine.”
FINAL PREVIEW:
No. 4 seed Jurgen Melzer is looking to lift a first career trophy in front of his home crowd when he takes on top seed Nikolay Davydenko.
23-year-old Melzer, who is playing in his second career final after Newport 2003 (l. to Robby Ginepri) is hoping to record a first career win over the Russian from Moscow, to whom he has previously lost once (2005 ATP Masters Series Monte-Carlo).
Melzer, who is playing in St. Poelten for the fifth time, recorded his best result in 2004 when he lost in the semifinals against Xavier Malisse, and now holds a 9-4 singles record at the tournament.
Currently ranked No. 10 in the INDESIT ATP 2005 Race, Davydenko is hoping to clinch a first title of 2005 and fifth overall career title (Adelaide, Estoril – 2003; Munich, Moscow – 2004).
The 2003 St. Poelten finalist (l. to Andy Roddick), is looking on Saturday to improve his 2005 record to 27-14.
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Davydenko Captures First 2005 Title
21. Mai, 2005• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Davydenko Captures First 2005 Title • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Top seed Nikolay Davydenko became on Saturday the twelfth champion of the Internationaler BTM-Power Grand Prix in St. Poelten after claiming a three-set victory over local Jurgen Melzer.
The Russian needed two hours and 50 minutes to defeat the No. 4 seed 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 and recorded a second career win over the Austrian, whom he had previously defeated in Monte-Carlo earlier this year.
The Russian, who is currently ranked No. 10 in the INDESIT ATP 2005 Race, seemed to have the upper hand when he led 3-0 in the final set, but the lefty Austrian came back to 3-3. They then held serve until Davydenko took Melzer’s serve in the last game.
No. 4 seed Jurgen Melzer was looking to lift a first career trophy in front of his home crowd. The Vienna native, who is turning 24 on Sunday, was playing in his first final of the year and second overall career final (Newport 2003), having reached the semifinals in San Jose and Houston earlier in the season.
On his way to the final Davydenko defeated Michal Mertinak, Sjeng Schalken, Felix Mantilla and Jose Acasuso while Melzer took care of Marco Mirnegg, Gilles Muller, David Sanchez and Christophe Rochus.
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID...
Davydenko: “It feels great to finally win a first trophy this year. This final was really difficult but I am feeling great at the moment and my confidence level is good which is the most important thing.”
“Before Roland Garros this is great for the confidence although it is a little bit hard physically. The day after tomorrow I could be playing my first round in Paris and it doesn’t give me much time to celebrate and fully recover from this week."
“I am off to Paris tonight, I will try to hit a few balls tomorrow in order to get used to the conditions and it would be great if I can get a Tuesday start over there.”
Melzer: “I am of course disappointed, it is never easy to lose in a final 6-4 in the third. I think I played a great match and Nikolay was just the most active player at the end and that was what made the difference in the match today.”
“I came back from 3-0 love down in the third set but unfortunately he didn’t let me use the momentum and he played great tennis. “
“This is definitely a great week and a confidence boost before the Roland Garros but it also means a lack of fitness in Paris. I played many matches this week, a lot of three setters and both singles and doubles, it is a lot of matches.” I am leaving to Paris tomorrow and I really hope I can get a Tuesday start over there.”
http://www.atpstpoelten.com/english/index.html
Top seed Nikolay Davydenko became on Saturday the twelfth champion of the Internationaler BTM-Power Grand Prix in St. Poelten after claiming a three-set victory over local Jurgen Melzer.
The Russian needed two hours and 50 minutes to defeat the No. 4 seed 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 and recorded a second career win over the Austrian, whom he had previously defeated in Monte-Carlo earlier this year.
The Russian, who is currently ranked No. 10 in the INDESIT ATP 2005 Race, seemed to have the upper hand when he led 3-0 in the final set, but the lefty Austrian came back to 3-3. They then held serve until Davydenko took Melzer’s serve in the last game.
No. 4 seed Jurgen Melzer was looking to lift a first career trophy in front of his home crowd. The Vienna native, who is turning 24 on Sunday, was playing in his first final of the year and second overall career final (Newport 2003), having reached the semifinals in San Jose and Houston earlier in the season.
On his way to the final Davydenko defeated Michal Mertinak, Sjeng Schalken, Felix Mantilla and Jose Acasuso while Melzer took care of Marco Mirnegg, Gilles Muller, David Sanchez and Christophe Rochus.
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID...
Davydenko: “It feels great to finally win a first trophy this year. This final was really difficult but I am feeling great at the moment and my confidence level is good which is the most important thing.”
“Before Roland Garros this is great for the confidence although it is a little bit hard physically. The day after tomorrow I could be playing my first round in Paris and it doesn’t give me much time to celebrate and fully recover from this week."
“I am off to Paris tonight, I will try to hit a few balls tomorrow in order to get used to the conditions and it would be great if I can get a Tuesday start over there.”
Melzer: “I am of course disappointed, it is never easy to lose in a final 6-4 in the third. I think I played a great match and Nikolay was just the most active player at the end and that was what made the difference in the match today.”
“I came back from 3-0 love down in the third set but unfortunately he didn’t let me use the momentum and he played great tennis. “
“This is definitely a great week and a confidence boost before the Roland Garros but it also means a lack of fitness in Paris. I played many matches this week, a lot of three setters and both singles and doubles, it is a lot of matches.” I am leaving to Paris tomorrow and I really hope I can get a Tuesday start over there.”
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RUSSIA v FRANCE
...
RUSSIA v FRANCE
In what is a repeat of the 2002 World Group final, Russia will be hoping to repeat its dramatic victory over the French when the two nations go head-to-head for the fifth time (tied 2-2) in Davis Cup competition. Mikhail Youzhny was the hero for Russia at the Palais Omnisports in Paris Bercy, coming back from two sets down to defeat Paul-Henri Mathieu in the fifth rubber to hand Russia its first – and so far only – Davis Cup. Youzhny, who reached the fourth round at Wimbledon, again lines up again against France, teaming up with Roland Garros semifinalist Nikolay Davydenko, Igor Andreev and Tiemuraz Gabashvili. Davydenko will be hoping to recover from his right wrist injury that forced him to retire from matches at Wimbledon and Gstaad.
Guy Forget’s French team is led by the experienced Arnaud Clement, with teenage star Richard Gasquet hoping to make his Davis Cup debut. The 19-year-old Gasquet, who reached the ATP Masters Series Hamburg final before capturing his first career title on the grass courts in Nottingham, has risen to No. 17 in the INDESIT ATP Entry Rankings after reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon. Mathieu, the hero for France in the 3-2 first round win over Sweden, also returns along with ‘s-Hertogenbosch finalist Michael Llodra.
...
http://www.atptennis.com/en/newsandscores/news/2005/daviscup_preview.asp
RUSSIA v FRANCE
In what is a repeat of the 2002 World Group final, Russia will be hoping to repeat its dramatic victory over the French when the two nations go head-to-head for the fifth time (tied 2-2) in Davis Cup competition. Mikhail Youzhny was the hero for Russia at the Palais Omnisports in Paris Bercy, coming back from two sets down to defeat Paul-Henri Mathieu in the fifth rubber to hand Russia its first – and so far only – Davis Cup. Youzhny, who reached the fourth round at Wimbledon, again lines up again against France, teaming up with Roland Garros semifinalist Nikolay Davydenko, Igor Andreev and Tiemuraz Gabashvili. Davydenko will be hoping to recover from his right wrist injury that forced him to retire from matches at Wimbledon and Gstaad.
Guy Forget’s French team is led by the experienced Arnaud Clement, with teenage star Richard Gasquet hoping to make his Davis Cup debut. The 19-year-old Gasquet, who reached the ATP Masters Series Hamburg final before capturing his first career title on the grass courts in Nottingham, has risen to No. 17 in the INDESIT ATP Entry Rankings after reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon. Mathieu, the hero for France in the 3-2 first round win over Sweden, also returns along with ‘s-Hertogenbosch finalist Michael Llodra.
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http://www.atptennis.com/en/newsandscores/news/2005/daviscup_preview.asp
Gasquet set for Davis Cup debut
Gasquet set for Davis Cup debut
Ten years after appearing on the cover of France's leading tennis magazine as the nine-year-old hope of French tennis, 19-year-old Richard Gasquet is finally set to make his Davis Cup debut. Gasquet opens against Russia's Igor Andreev in a Davis Cup by BNP Paribas quarterfinal for which the draw reads:
Igor Andreev (RUS) v Richard Gasquet (FRA)
Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) v Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA)
Igor Andreev/Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) v Arnaud Clement/Michael Llodra (FRA)Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) v Richard Gasquet (FRA)
Igor Andreev (RUS) v Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA)
For many, Gasquet's first appearance in tennis's premier team competition was an inevitability, but Gasquet has come through a rough couple of years since announcing his presence as a 16-year-old at the 2002 Monte Carlo Masters, where he thrilled local fans with a three-sets win over Franco Squillari, then ranked 51.This year he has been one of only three players to have beaten Roger Federer, that also coming at Monte Carlo, where his win from match point down announced that he had put behind him a troublesome period which saw a series of injuries, two changes of coach, chicken pox, and a few classic teenage problems of graduating from childhood to adulthood.With Andreev's name first out of the pot at Thursday's draw in Moscow's Olympic Stadium, Gasquet is well set to give France a winning start, if he can justify his ranking of 17, compared to Andreev's of 46. Their one previous match, won by Andreev on the grass of London's Queen's Club last year, is of little consequence given the strides Gasquet has made this year.The only surprise in the draw was that Andreev was nominated in place of the higher-ranked Mikhail Youzhny (27th), but the feeling among the several dozen journalists attending the tie in Moscow is that Russia's captain Shamil Tarpischev may well be holding Youzhny back for a possible fifth rubber against Paul-Henri Mathieu, the man he beat from two sets down to give Russia its first and so far only Davis Cup title in a dramatic final in Paris three years ago.But for that to happen, Nikolay Davydenko will have to play both his singles, and his presence on the opening day is something of a gamble by Tarpischev. Davydenko may be the world No 7, and his Champions Race position of 5th testifies to the fact that 2005 is the best year of his career. But the French Open semifinalist has retired from his last two matches - in Wimbledon and Gstaad - with an inflammation to his right wrist. "I may have some pain," he said after the draw, "but I'm sure I can get through one match. Then we'll see."Davydenko, playing his first Davis Cup tie as Russian No. 1 due to the absence through injury of Marat Safin, tests his wrist in the second of the opening day's singles against Paul-Henri Mathieu, the Frenchman who despite being ranked just 57th has won his last three Davis Cup matches , defeating Carlos Moya, Joachim Johansson and Thomas Johansson.If Davydenko can't play on Sunday, then Youzhny will be needed against Gasquet, unless Tarpischev brings in the Davis Cup rookie Teimuraz Gabashvili, a 20-year-old with a ranking of 211.France's captain Guy Forget continues to say Russia is a slight favourite, though it's hard to believe him looking at the draw. Forget has the one clear advantage in the presence of the experienced Clément and Llodra in the doubles, as Youzhny and Andreev have never played together. But Forget believes Davydenko and Andreev - a regular pairing on the tour - will face the French on Saturday, assuming Davydenko's wrist comes through Friday's test.It could be that the destination of this quarterfinal rests with how a few tendons in Davydenko's right arm behave over the next three days.
http://www.daviscup.com/news/newsarticle.asp?id=13290
Ten years after appearing on the cover of France's leading tennis magazine as the nine-year-old hope of French tennis, 19-year-old Richard Gasquet is finally set to make his Davis Cup debut. Gasquet opens against Russia's Igor Andreev in a Davis Cup by BNP Paribas quarterfinal for which the draw reads:
Igor Andreev (RUS) v Richard Gasquet (FRA)
Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) v Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA)
Igor Andreev/Mikhail Youzhny (RUS) v Arnaud Clement/Michael Llodra (FRA)Nikolay Davydenko (RUS) v Richard Gasquet (FRA)
Igor Andreev (RUS) v Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA)
For many, Gasquet's first appearance in tennis's premier team competition was an inevitability, but Gasquet has come through a rough couple of years since announcing his presence as a 16-year-old at the 2002 Monte Carlo Masters, where he thrilled local fans with a three-sets win over Franco Squillari, then ranked 51.This year he has been one of only three players to have beaten Roger Federer, that also coming at Monte Carlo, where his win from match point down announced that he had put behind him a troublesome period which saw a series of injuries, two changes of coach, chicken pox, and a few classic teenage problems of graduating from childhood to adulthood.With Andreev's name first out of the pot at Thursday's draw in Moscow's Olympic Stadium, Gasquet is well set to give France a winning start, if he can justify his ranking of 17, compared to Andreev's of 46. Their one previous match, won by Andreev on the grass of London's Queen's Club last year, is of little consequence given the strides Gasquet has made this year.The only surprise in the draw was that Andreev was nominated in place of the higher-ranked Mikhail Youzhny (27th), but the feeling among the several dozen journalists attending the tie in Moscow is that Russia's captain Shamil Tarpischev may well be holding Youzhny back for a possible fifth rubber against Paul-Henri Mathieu, the man he beat from two sets down to give Russia its first and so far only Davis Cup title in a dramatic final in Paris three years ago.But for that to happen, Nikolay Davydenko will have to play both his singles, and his presence on the opening day is something of a gamble by Tarpischev. Davydenko may be the world No 7, and his Champions Race position of 5th testifies to the fact that 2005 is the best year of his career. But the French Open semifinalist has retired from his last two matches - in Wimbledon and Gstaad - with an inflammation to his right wrist. "I may have some pain," he said after the draw, "but I'm sure I can get through one match. Then we'll see."Davydenko, playing his first Davis Cup tie as Russian No. 1 due to the absence through injury of Marat Safin, tests his wrist in the second of the opening day's singles against Paul-Henri Mathieu, the Frenchman who despite being ranked just 57th has won his last three Davis Cup matches , defeating Carlos Moya, Joachim Johansson and Thomas Johansson.If Davydenko can't play on Sunday, then Youzhny will be needed against Gasquet, unless Tarpischev brings in the Davis Cup rookie Teimuraz Gabashvili, a 20-year-old with a ranking of 211.France's captain Guy Forget continues to say Russia is a slight favourite, though it's hard to believe him looking at the draw. Forget has the one clear advantage in the presence of the experienced Clément and Llodra in the doubles, as Youzhny and Andreev have never played together. But Forget believes Davydenko and Andreev - a regular pairing on the tour - will face the French on Saturday, assuming Davydenko's wrist comes through Friday's test.It could be that the destination of this quarterfinal rests with how a few tendons in Davydenko's right arm behave over the next three days.
http://www.daviscup.com/news/newsarticle.asp?id=13290
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