MOSCOW (AP)—Nikolay Davydenko will face David Nalbandian in Friday’s opening singles match between Russia and Argentina in the Davis Cup World Group quarterfinals.
Thursday’s draw also pits Russia’s No. 2 Mikhail Youzhny against Leonardo Mayer, named Argentina’s No.1 for the tie, in their first ever head-to-head.
Russia captain Shamil Tarpischev said there was no surprise for him in the Argentine lineup.
“We expected such nominations,” he said. “That proves the strength of this Argentinean team.”
Argentina’s No. 1 and world No. 7, Juan Martin del Potro, is missing from the team, as is Juan Monaco.
In Saturday’s doubles, the Russian pair of Teimuraz Gabashvili and Igor Kunitsyn will face Nalbandian and Horacio Zeballos. The reverse singles are scheduled for Sunday.
With three matches to play, Nalbandian will be looking to emulate Pete Sampras’s achievement in the 1995 Davis Cup final at the Olympic Indoor stadium, when the American won all three of his matches to lead the U.S. to the title.
“Nalbandian is our best team player and he is highly respected by all the team,” Argentina captain Tito Vazquez said.
Nalbandian, who has a 29-9 record in the Davis Cup, missed much of last season due to injury and has been sidelined with a hamstring problem since April. He has since dropped out of the world’s Top 100.
“I haven’t been playing for a long time in the tour because of injuries,” Nalbandian said. “But I’m looking ahead with confidence to rush back to the top.”
Russia is undefeated on home soil since its loss to Sampras and the U.S. team 15 years ago. But Russia refuses to underestimate Argentina.
“First of all, Nalbandian is a team player,” Tarpischev said. “And we know his results in the team competitions. A Davis Cup tie is not a week-long competition and such experienced players like Nalbandian can deliver two, three perfect matches no matter what their current rankings are. He is a serious opponent.”
Davydenko, the No. 6-ranked player who earlier this year beat both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the same ATP tournament, was out of action for three months recently with a wrist injury. He said he is still not at top form.
“I don’t think it will be a key match [of the tie],” Davydenko said of his opener against Nalbandian. “But it will be tough. We both have been sidelined for a long time. We will not show our best tennis but I will try to win the match.”
Russia beat Argentina in Moscow to win the 2006 Davis Cup.
Argentina has reached the final three times but is yet to win a title.
The winner will play Spain or France in the semifinals from Sept. 17–19.