The Hindu : Sport / Football : Marat Safin gives Russia the lead

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Marat Safin gives Russia the lead

MOSCOW: Marat Safin overcame a two-set deficit on Friday to give Russia a 1-0 lead over the Czech Republic in the Davis Cup quarterfinals.

Safin rallied to beat Tomas Berdych 6-7(5), 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. The former top-ranked Russian, who has struggled on the ATP tour so far this season, saved 16 of 17 break points in the match.

It was the first time Safin had rallied from a two-set deficit to win, while Berdych dropped to 9-1 in five-set matches.

Safin served well but struggled through the first two sets. He broke the ninth-ranked Berdych early in the third set to stay in the match on indoor clay, then seized control with eight consecutive points early in the fourth.

The two-time Grand Slam champion dominated the final set, dragging the tiring Berdych into long rallies. Safin trailed 0-30 in the final game, but hit three of his 30 aces and saved another break point on the way to victory.

“I could have won the first two sets, because there were chances and break points — he just got lucky a little more and a little earlier than me,” Safin said. “But in the third set everything fell into place.”

Safin, ranked 87th, was playing for Russia for the first time since winning a decisive point in the Davis Cup quarterfinals against France last season. Russia lost to the United States in last year’s final.

Safin said he was grateful to Russia captain Shamil Tarpischev for giving him a chance. “I don’t think he was counting on me to win,” he said.

“I think he has just showed that he’s still a great player,” Berdych said. — AP

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