Davis Cup Final 2006 Goes Down To The Wire

The 2006 Davis Cup Final produced a fantastic end to the tennis season, as the destiny of the trophy went down to the wire. Going into Sunday with a 2-1 lead and playing at home, the Russians looked well set to claim their second Davis Cup triumph in their history and still leave Argentina searching for that maiden moment of glory. The Sunday reverse singles kicked off with a battle of the respective top players from each nation - Nikolay Davydenko and David Nalbandian.

Nikolay Davydenko v David Nalbandian
Coming into the match off a poor performance in the doubles the day before, Nalbandian hoped to rectify that by keeping Argentina alive. Meanwhile, Davydenko was hoping to cap off a career year by winning the point that would deliver the Davis Cup title to his nation. Nalbandian came in off the back of a 3 match winning streak over the Russian, dating back to their TMC semi-final in 2005.

Nalbandian continued the dominance in the opening 2 sets, brushing aside Davydenko's resistance 6-2, 6-2. The Russian later claimed that the expectation had got to him and he froze for a large part of the match. Nalbandian as ever relishing the atmosphere and responsibility of Davis Cup, had no such problems playing with freedom.

It looked like Davydenko had the chance to turn the match having taken the 3rd set 6-4, and breaking early in the 4th. However, Nalbandian was not to be denied and came roaring back to claim the 4th set and the match 6-4. It capped off another impressive Nalbandian Davis Cup weekened, arguably the most impressive of them all having defeated Safin and Davydenko in Moscow for the loss of just one set. Despite not being able to produce a strong performance in doubles, Nalbandian had single handedly kept Argentina alive and in with a chance.

Russia 2-2 Argentina

Marat Safin v Jose Acasuso
And so to the decisive rubber, Russia contemplated on whether to substitute Safin with Tursunov, and ended up deciding that Safin's greater big match experience would be the telling factor in such an important match. Argentina were never likely to stick with Chela for the reverse singles, and Jose Acasuso was drafted in for his first action of the weekend. Acasuso had only made his Davis Cup debut in 2006, and had not tasted defeat. Winning all his singles matches and being half of the doubles team that won in Croatia.

Safin took the initiative and broke early, eventually taking the first set 6-3. Acasuso did not wilt in what was the biggest match of his career to date, coming back to the take the 2nd set by the same scoreline. The 3rd set would be crucial to the outcome of the match, and having broken Acasuso, Safin looked set to win it. However, the Argentine broke back but then immediately lost serve. Safin went on to take the set 6-3.

The 4th set saw some immense service games from both players, and soon a tie-break was to decide it. Safin got the mini-break, and worked his way to two match points at 6-4. Acasuso retrieved the mini-break, and then served at 5-6 down. The Argentine netted a forehand, and the Russians went wild with joy. Lifting Safin up, in the same way they had down to Youzhny years earlier in France after another 5th rubber triumph. Acasuso broke down in tears, consoled by his captain, team mates and with words of support from the Argentine fans in the stadium, which included Diego Maradona, who had made his presence known all weekend.

Russia 3-2 Argentina

It was a fantastic way to end what is a great competition for 2006. Russia continuing to show their excellence and depth of tennis both in the mens and womens game. For Argentina, another tough away loss. A home final for Argentina will surely result in nothing but a formality and a long awaited Davis Cup triumph. Few sides could go to Russia and put up such a fight, despite having to contend with missing players who for one reason or another were not in the form or condition to add their talents to the Argentine side.

The draw for 2007 had already been made a number of weeks ago. Russia face a very tough match in Chile for their 1st round. Don't be surprised if the Chileans end the Russians reign as champions very quickly. Argentina must travel to Austria, possibly without the services of David Nalbandian, who is under instruction from his camp to cut down on his Davis Cup excursions for the sake of his individual tour career. It remains to be seen what happens on that score, Nalbandian takes great pride in representing Argentina, and has carried the side more or less for the past 18 months. It would be a great shame for he not to be available, but Argentina will have other options to fill the void like Guillermo Canas and the next star of Argentine tennis, Juan Martin Del Potro, a name you are likely to be hearing from alot in the near future.

Sports Magician hoped you enjoyed the Davis Cup this year, and would like to read your thoughts on the 2006 tournament and the possibilities for 2007. Please feel free to add your comments and feelings.

Let Sports Magician know who you feel will win the Davis Cup next year by voting in the poll which you will find on the sidebar. Thanks, look forward to seeing how the voting goes.

For a taste of what the atmosphere and build up was like for the players, see here as Nalbandian and Davydenko walk through on to court, as the chants of the fans become more evident the closer they get.