Here Comes The Season

The 2007 ATP Tennis season begins in the coming days; Sports Magician previews what we may learn over the next twelve months. The season begins with tournaments in Adelaide, Chennai and Doha. Adelaide is an appropriate place to start given the nature of the tournament this year, the first to experience the Round-Robin format.

- How will Round-Robin play out?
Sports Magician is against the introduction of Round-Robin tournaments on the tour, although at an “experimental” stage and not yet to be seen at Masters Series events or Grand Slams. The possibility of dead matches is clear to see, and will undoubtedly happen on many occasions this season. The idea that you either win or go home puts an edge on each and every match. Taking this away is of no benefit to the fan, or even the players. During a gruelling season, there are often times when a player “tanks” a match here or there, regardless of how obvious it may or may not be, even if the intention is not there to do so, sometimes the body or mind doesn’t allow anything different. Now players know they can lose, and still possibly go through to the latter stages, providing a different slant on the mentality and mindset of players. Even if it is just subconscious, it will be evident during the season.

The ATP state that their research indicates that tennis fans are in favour of Round-Robin events, and it would be interesting to know what their precise results are. Visit any message board with passionate tennis fans presenting their views, and those who oppose Round-Robin far outweigh those in favour. Furthermore, it could even be said that a fair portion of those in “favour” are simply waiting to see how things play out before giving a definitive judgement, rather than believing the change will be of genuine benefit.

The move is for sponsors and TV primarily, and the ATP will fail in their attempts to dress it up as anything else. Money talks, and the ATP are in danger of thinking more about money than the future and integrity of the sport. Sports Magician will not be sitting on the fence on this issue that is for sure, and hopes that the “experiment” proves to be a failure, so the tour can get back to a sense of consistency.

The ATP believes the move will enable fans to get to see the top players in action, provided they will have at least two matches to compete in. And as it happens, the tour’s number one player, Roger Federer, will not be playing any of the Round-Robin tournaments.

- Can Roger Federer be any more dominant?
Roger Federer states that his priorities for the season remain retaining the number one ranking and winning Wimbledon (the first Grand Slam he got his hands on). However, in order to differentiate this season from his outstanding last three seasons (particularly the last two), Federer will need to dominate on clay the way he has done everywhere else. In 2006, the boy from Basel came three matches away from arguably the most incredible year any individual or team has had in sports. Losing clay court finals to world number two, Rafael Nadal, in Monte Carlo, Rome (Federer had two match points) and Roland Garros (the Mecca of clay court tennis) prevented Federer from completing what would have been a historic season that would surely never be equalled and certainly not bettered.

Federer is 0-4 on clay v Nadal, he came as close as you can in Rome when he held two match points, neither of which he was able to convert. Despite beating Nadal since the Roland Garros final on two occasions (Wimbledon & Shanghai), Nadal can still count on a psychological dominance over Federer on clay, and one of the more intriguing storylines of 2007 will be whether Federer can break this hold. Hopefully both players will be fit and healthy come the European clay court season for us to be able to sit back, enjoy and find out.

- Can Rafael Nadal reverse the slump?
It seems absurd to ask such a question of a twenty year old who has won two Grand Slam titles, made another Grand Slam final and won six Masters Series events in the past two seasons, and yet the question is being asked by more than a few people. Nadal had a poor second half of the season in 2006. Having reached the Wimbledon final, Nadal’s season stalled completely and he did not advance past the quarter finals of any tournament until the season ending Masters Cup in Shanghai.

The Spaniard missed last year’s Australian Open, and it will be interesting to see how he fares in Melbourne in a few weeks on the reportedly speeded up courts. It won’t be long before Nadal is on clay again, and as he did in 2006, he will face the pressure of having to defend titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome and Roland Garros. Will he be beaten on clay this year? Sports Magician believes it will happen, but it remains to be seen by who and when. Roger Federer is clearly the prime candidate. Post-Wimbledon will be the true test of Nadal’s progression, and all eyes will be on him to see if he has adjusted his style on hard and indoor courts to improve on the poor results he achieved in the latter half of 2006.

- Can Andy Roddick continue the resurgence?
After a poor first half of the season in 2006, where he was comprehensively outplayed by Scot Andy Murray, at Wimbledon, Roddick teamed up with Jimmy Connors and experienced a revival in the second half of the season. He won the Cincinnati Masters and followed that up with an appearance in the US Open final. There is an apparent sting and zip back in Roddick’s game and attitude that seemed lacking early in 2006. Unlikely to ever achieve much on clay in the more high profile tournaments (Masters events and Roland Garros), Roddick’s season will be judged on what he can achieve elsewhere, and whether the fire that Connors has lit under him will continue to burn or fizzle out.

- Can David Nalbandian fulfil his potential?
No longer able to call himself the reigning Masters Cup champion, the Argentine ended the 2006 season by leading his nation into their first Davis Cup final in twenty-five years. Nalbandian proved what many are already well aware of, that he has the talent to be a Grand Slam champion, by beating Nikolay Davydenko and Marat Safin in Moscow for the loss of just one set. Whether Nalbandian will ever be able to translate his talent into a tangible Grand Slam triumph and not simply a series of consistent showings that result in semi-final appearances (he also made the Wimbledon final in 2002) will likely be answered in the next two or three years. Each passing year indicates that the potential will remain unfulfilled, and 2007 represents a significant year in the career of David Nalbandian in the eyes of Sports Magician. Time is running out and the window of opportunity shuts far quicker than it opens.

- Can the newcomers stick around?
2006 saw four new names end the year in the top ten of the men’s tour. James Blake, Tommy Robredo, Mario Ancic and Fernando Gonzalez had career years. Blake and Robredo particularly had outstanding years. Blake won five titles and made the final of a Masters Series event and the Masters Cup. Meanwhile, Robredo won his first Masters Series title in Hamburg. Competition is fierce, and there are a number of very talented young players maturing by the week and looking to break into the elite and turn these four players into ‘one season wonders’. Sports Magician believes it will be a tough ask for all four to still be in the top ten come the end of the season and that rather than Blake or Robredo, Mario Ancic has the greater chance to still be there. Ancic, a player yet to fully justify the hype around him in previous years, had a quietly strong 2006 despite missing significant time with injury.

- Can the young guns make some noise?
The ATP, as mentioned, has a number of very talented young players on the verge of taking the step from promise to fulfilment. Marcos Baghdatis, Tomas Berdych, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Richard Gasquet lie waiting to jump into the top ten, all of these players currently sit between twelve and eighteen in the rankings. In addition, there is Gael Monfils, currently lower down in the rankings at forty-six, who will be hoping for an injury free 2007 to show what he is fully capable of. Another name to bear in mind that may not be able to make the impact that the already mentioned youngsters might in 2007, but is certainly a player that will be likely to in 2008, is Juan-Martin Del Potro, currently ranked ninety-second on the tour. By the end of the season, his name will be far more familiar to you.

Sports Magician believes at least two of these youngsters will be sitting in the top ten in twelve months, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic being the likely candidates.

- Can elite players of the recent past return to the top ten?
Between 2000-2005, names such as Lleyton Hewitt, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Guillermo Coria and Marat Safin were regular fixtures in the top ten, but in 2006, none of them sat amongst the elite. All of them have suffered for one reason or another, be it injury, politics on and off the court, or just simply a loss of form and confidence that they have forever been trying to regain. Hewitt’s 2006 season was highlighted by winning Queens. Ferrero’s was credible for making a Masters Series final in Cincinnati. Safin salvaged some joy from his season by winning the deciding rubber in the Davis Cup final versus Argentina. There was no such joy for Coria, who doesn’t just sit outside the top ten at present, but the top one hundred.

The Magician whose plight was documented in the latter period of this year faces a significant challenge to rediscover his past form and successes that took him to number three in the world only two and a half years ago.

Sports Magician believes Marat Safin has the greatest chance to find himself back in the top ten sooner rather than later.

Tell Sports Magician what you feel the 2007 season will bring by leaving a comment.

Champions League First Round KO Previews

The draw for the knock out stage of the UEFA Champions League was made last week, Sports Magician previews the match ups and takes a look at which sides are likely to progress in Europe's premier club competition.

PSV v Arsenal

With little or no chance of challenging for the Premiership title, Arsenal will have been relieved to have come through a tight group containing Porto and CSKA Moscow. Losing finalists in the 2005/2006 competition, Arsenal will be hoping to go one better and a tie with PSV represents a fair chance to progress further. PSV qualified with room to spare from their group and have been flying domestically, winning 15 of 17 league games. PSV will be hoping to take a lead to the Emirates Stadium, but Arsenal should be too strong over two legs.

Verdict - Arsenal move on.

Real Madrid v Bayern Munich

Two giants of European club football clash in the first round of knock out matches. Both sides qualified comfortably from their respective groups, Bayern winning theirs and Real Madrid finishing behind Lyon. Real have reinforced their side with the signings of two young Argentines, forward Gonzalo Higuain, but more significantly, midfielder Fernando Gago. The midfield partnership of Diarra-Emerson has not excelled, and Gago is likely to partner Diarra and produce a better fit. Bayern having lost the services of Ballack in the summer, may yet lose Owen Hargreaves too in the January window. This tie is unlikely to be settled early, but Sports Magician believes Real Madrid will just edge the encounter.

Verdict - Real Madrid to squeeze through.

Lille v Manchester United

All the sides who won their group would have wanted Lille, Manchester United were the lucky team to get them. Lille beat Manchester United not long ago in the Champions League group stage, but over two legs, that triumph is unlikely to be repeated. Manchester United have far too much in all areas for Lille to contend with, and may well win both legs.

Verdict - Manchester United win both legs.

Celtic v AC Milan

Celtic's reward for making the KO stage is a tie with the Rossonerri. A famous victory over Manchester United secured Celtic's passage through the group stage, and they may fancy a crack at an AC Milan side that has been far from impressive all season. Still failing to cope with the loss of Andrei Shevchenko and the points handicap in Serie A, Milan's season now rests entirely on this competition. Reinforcements are needed, and it remains to be seen if Milan will bring in fresh blood to support Kaka, who has been the only shining light for Milan thus far. Celtic are still underdogs for this tie, despite Milan's troubles. The 'Hoops' will need to secure a home win to take to Milan to stand a chance of pulling off an upset.

Verdict - Milan still too much for Celtic.

Barcelona v Liverpool

The winners of the past two years match up in the KO stage. Barcelona will still be without the services of Samuel Eto'o, but should be able to call on the return of Lionel Messi to reduce the burden on Ronaldinho. Barcelona have been in good form of late, but failed to win the World Club Championship. Liverpool will hope to keep things tight in the first leg, and look to have a memorable night at Anfield to take them through. Sports Magician believes Barcelona are still the team to beat in the competition, and that Liverpool aren't the team to beat them.

Verdict - The holders march on.

Internazionale v Valencia

The tie of the round. Inter have been in exceptional form in Serie A, and only a major collapse domestically will stop them from failing to win Lo Scudetto. Hernan Crespo has been in sparkling form since returning to Italy from Chelsea, and Inter have looked strong in all departments ever since beating Milan 4-3 in the derby. Valencia have had to deal with a never ending injury list, and their resources are being stretched if they hope to challenge for La Liga and the Champions League. This should be a very tight affair, with Inter's greater options upfront possibly seeing them through.

Verdict - Inter...Just.

Porto v Chelsea

Jose Mourinho takes his Chelsea side to the home of his former club, where he left winning the trophy he hopes to win with Chelsea, the Champions League. Chelsea topped a strong group that contained Barcelona and Werder Bremen. Didier Drogba has been in outstanding form all season, while Shevchenko has often looked lost and out of place in the Chelsea system. Porto, led from midfield by Lucho Gonzalez, have played some enterprising football thus far. They won't make it easy for Chelsea, but Mourinho's side should get the better of his former club.

Verdict - Porto to promise a scare, but fail to deliver. Chelsea go through.

Roma v Lyon

One of the less clear cut ties of the KO stage. Lyon won their group with ease and continue to be the 'dark horse' pick, although by now, everyone should be aware of the danger they pose. Once again Lyon are dominating their domestic league, winning 16 of 18 matches, and standing 17 points clear at the time of writing. Roma are still hoping to catch Inter in Serie A, but that looks unlikely. This is a very difficult tie to call in what should be a couple of entertaining matches.

Verdict - Lyon to move on.

Let Sports Magician know how you see the ties developing, by leaving a comment, and voting for who you feel will win this year's competition in the poll you will find on the sidebar of this page.

Estudiantes Take Advantage Of Boca Collapse

The playoff for the Apertura title in Argentina ended in the same way the previous two weeks had, with Boca Juniors throwing away the chance to win a third successive title. The never say die spirit of Estudiantes, coached by Diego Simeone, once again proved it's worth as the 'Pinchas' won their first title in twenty-three years.

Going into the match were two teams that couldn't be more different in terms of moral and momentum. Boca had only needed one point from their final two games, and surprisingly collapsed. Having gone 17 games in the Apertura with only one defeat (in the Superclasico to River), Boca experienced back to back defeats, and lost at home for the first time during the campaign to Lanus. Estudiantes went on a remarkable run from September 24th, winning eleven and drawing one of their last twelve matches. And even their draw was only due to an injury time equaliser from Argentinos Jrs.

Boca needed to start the playoff well, and they did just that. A nicely worked move found lifelong Estudiantes fan, Martin Palermo, at the far post and he volleyed in to give Boca a 1-0 advantage. The first half largely belonged to Boca, with other chances coming their way, most notably through Rodrigo Palacio. Estudiantes came close themselves with Mariano Pavone's strike hitting the post. Towards the end of the first half, both sides were reduced to ten men, after the sendings off of Pablo Alvarez and Pablo Ledesma. The decision seemed harsh on Ledesma who had fallen over the top of Alvarez, who promptly got up and kicked the Boca player while he lay on the ground.

Soon after, Cata Diaz came close for Boca from a free kick, and Estudiantes were happy to go in at the half just down by Palermo's solitary strike. The second half was a different story, Boca sat back and invited pressure which Estudiantes were happy to apply. Their equaliser came from a wonderfully clipped free kick by Jose Sosa. That strike stung Boca into action, and for the first time in the second half they began to re-establish themselves in the match. The Boca front two of Palacio and Palermo were almost non-existent for the entire second half.

With ten minutes to go, Mariano Pavone, took advantage of some hesistant defending, clipped the ball over Bobadilla and looped his header into the corner beyond the despairing dive of Claudio Morel Rodríguez. Boca never looked like equalising, and for the third match in a row they had been unable to secure the Apertura title.

The scenes at the end were pure joy for Estudiantes players, coaches and fans, while Boca players bowed their heads after another opportunity slipped away. But this time, there would be no tomorrow. Ricardo La Volpe, who took over the reins after 'Coco' Basile had left to take up the position as Argentina coach, ended his short and unsuccessful stint in charge by resigning. La Volpe took over a Boca side that were defending the Apertura and Sudamericana titles, that had just won the Recopa, and had not long before produced an extraordinary display that saw them triumph 7-1 away to San Lorenzo.

La Volpe's time at Boca will not be remembered fondly. Meanwhile, Diego Simeone has already won a title despite being a coach for only one year, and possibly a future appointment as coach of Argentina awaits him down the line.

The Apertura was too often in the news for the continued scenes of crowd violence and player intimidation. Estudiantes will feel justice has been served after Gimnasia LP conceaded victory to Boca in a match that was no more than a sham, after Gimnasia players had been subject to threats from their own fans should they take any points off Boca and thus help the cause of Estudiantes, their rivals.

The Clausura begins on February 11 2007, and already some names will be missing, but likely to be filled by the never ending conveyor belt of talent that originates from Argentina. Real Madrid have completed the signing of River forward, Gonzalo Higuain, while Fernando Gago of Boca Juniors is expected to make the same move soon. Although Boca are still hoping that Gago will stay until the Summer.

If you have not yet seen the goals from the playoff for the title, you can do so in the video clip below.



Following the draw for the knock out phase of the UEFA Champions League, Sports Magician will be taking a look ahead to the match ups and analysing the encounters.

One Match, One Title

On Wednesday December 13th at the home of Vélez Sarsfield, the Apertura title in Argentina will be decided by a one off playoff match. Having finished on 44pts each, Boca Juniors and Estudiantes will bring to a climax a few months which has seen more violence and controversy dominating the state of domestic Argentine football, instead of the football itself.

It promises to be a tension filled match, with everything at stake. We have arrived at such a scenario after a dramatic set of results on Sunday. Boca, needing just one point at home to Lanus to secure the title, lost in La Bombonera for the first time in this Apertura campaign. Meanwhile, Estudiantes had to wait until the dying minutes to secure victory over Arsenal (no, not THAT Arsenal), and force a playoff.

Sports Magician will be commenting the day after the match, on the encounter itself and reviewing the Apertura campaign as a whole for 2006. Sports Magician would like to wish both sets of teams and fans the best of luck, and hopes that the victory for either club is just and is not marred in controversy.

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.

Russia Take Crucial Lead

Russia took a crucial lead in the Davis Cup Final after a strong and solid display in the doubles from Marat Safin and Dmitry Tursunov. Safin was brought into the side instead of Youzhny, and helped make amends for his straight sets singles defeat to David Nalbandian a day earlier.

The Russian team took advantage of Nalbandian's serve, and held their own service games without too much trouble. It was a stark contrast from yesterday, where Nalbandian had been flawless against Safin. He was the weaker link in the Argentine team today, and with Safin and Tursunov serving so commandingly, Calleri was unable to keep the Argentine side together.

Russia lead 2-1 going into Sunday's reverse singles, and the lead could well prove to be too big a hurdle for Argentina to climb. At present the line up is scheduled to be Davydenko v Nalbandian and if needed Safin v Chela. However, don't be surprised if there are changes to this line up. Tursunov could well be brought in for Russia to play either for Davydenko or Safin. Russia clearly hold the upperhand, with a 5th rubber combination favouring them in many respects.

Sports Magician will return tomorrow to detail the conclusion of the 2006 Davis Cup Final. Feel free to add your comments on how you see the reverse singles turning out and who may be involved in them.

Strengthening The Tennis Community

Kings of Clay & Lawntennisnews are proud to announce a collaboration that will provide the passionate tennis fan with greater avenues to read about and discuss tennis news and issues.

Kings of Clay have been in existence for just over eight months, while Lawntennisnews has been going strong for over four years.

Through this partnership, both parties hope to bring more news and features to the fans of the sport in what will hopefully be a long lasting relationship.

To find out more about this venture, please visit Kings of Clay - World Tennis Forum & Lawntennisnews through these links.
http://kingsofclay.com and http://www.lawntennisnews.com/

Honours Even

The Davis Cup Final is evenly poised after the first day of action. Russia and Argentina each won their first point of the final thanks to their respective number ones, Nikolay Davydenko and David Nalbandian.

Nikolay Davydenko v Juan Ignacio Chela
The final began with Chela unable to convert break points, while Davydenko took his early chances. Despite a 0-5 record against Chela, Davydenko sailed through the opening two sets. Chela offered some resistance late on and snatched the third set, but never got a foothold in the fourth, as Russia drew first blood with a 6-1, 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 victory. For Davydenko it was job done and a good start for the home nation. For Chela it was a case of being unable to take his opportunities and largely looking lacklustre in comparison to his opponent.

Russia 1 - 0 Argentina

Marat Safin v David Nalbandian
Arguably the marquee match up of the weekend, Safin and Nalbandian had already played two long and tense matches this year at the US Open and Madrid Masters. This encounter was expected to be no different, Nalbandian was under a great deal of pressure with Argentina effectively facing defeat were he to lose. As ever in Davis Cup play Nalbandian rose to the occasion. Producing a masterful display and most likely his best performance of the season, Nalbandian recorded a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win. Safin had words with his captain during the match about the court surface which were not to his liking.

Russia 1 - 1 Argentina

Looking Ahead To Saturday's Doubles
At the time of writing the doubles line up for Saturday is expected to be Youzhny and Tursunov for the Russians, facing Nalbandian and Calleri for the Argentines. History suggests Argentina have the edge for what will be a pivotal doubles encounter that will have a strong bearing on who ends the weekend with smiles on their faces. Nalbandian and Calleri have a collective 13-2 record in Davis Cup doubles, and as a pair are undefeated at 2-0. Youzhny and Tursunov have a collective record of 5-7, and are winless as a pair at 0-2.

Momentum is on the side of Argentina as well as a small but loud contingent of fans courtside. With Nalbandian first up for Argentina on the Sunday reverse singles, Argentina will feel they can close out the tie 3-1. Russia will be hoping to do the same, but more likely of the view that if they can stretch the tie to a decider, Russia will be well set to win the trophy with Safin to play their 5th match and Argentina not having someone of the quality of Nalbandian to face him once more.

Sports Magician will be commenting on the doubles upon completion and looking ahead to Sunday where the Davis Cup Final 2006 will reach a conclusion.