Russia picks Safin, not Davydenko to face U.S.

Marat Safin was picked ahead of fifth-ranked Nikolay Davydenko and will open against Andy Roddick on Friday when Russia plays the United States in the Davis Cup semifinals.Davydenko, who reached the U.S. Open semifinals this month but retired because of dizziness last week in the China Open quarterfinals, was left out of Thursday’s draw by Russia captain Shamil Tarpishchev. Safin, a two-time Grand Slam champion and former top-ranked player, is ranked 72nd. Davydenko is 0-4 in his career against both Roddick and James Blake.

“It’s the Davis Cup and the difference in 10-20 places makes no difference,” Tarpishchev said. “We have a very even lineup in our team, and in terms of tactics it’s the best solution for us.”

The winner of the best-of-five series will face Australia or Argentina in the final.

Roddick and Safin have played five times, with the American winning the last three, all on hard courts. The Davis Cup matches are being played on clay indoors.

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