Safin Gets Russia Off to a Winning Start

It was always going to be tough and unfortunately clay and an in-form Marat Safin got the better of Andy in the first rubber as Russia won it 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(5).

One break was all Safin needed in the first set. Andy was struggling to find his rhythm on a bumpy clay court and as he made a couple of errors Safin was able to break for a 4-3 lead. Andy tried his hardest to get back into the set, and was cheered on loudly by the Netheads, but Safin started to produce some great tennis and he went on to save the break point Andy had at 4-3 and close out the set 6-4.

The second set was very difficult for Andy. Safin was polishing off his own serve very comfortably and putting a lot of pressure on Andy. Hence it came as no surprise when it was the Russian who made the first move in the set and broke Andy’s serve at 2-2, he played a wonderful point on break point and very deservedly went up 3-2. Safin took the set 6-3, breaking Andy again at 5-3, this time a stunning backhand doing the damage on set point.

Andy put in a tremendous effort in the third set. Despite things looking very bleak he continued to fight hard as he always does when representing his country. He had chances to break at 3-2 and it took some great play from Safin to deny him. Safin was blowing quite hot and cold in set three, but he hit a hot spot at 4-3 as he broke Andy to serve for the match.

However Safin felt the pressure as he came to serve for the match and Andy was able to take advantage of his tight play to break back and force the match into a third set tie break. It was a great effort by Andy and he looked to have the upper hand in the tie break as he led by 5-4. But Safin dug in and managed to turn it around to lead 6-5 by winning both the points on Andy’s serve and as Andy netted a forehand on match point Safin gave Russia a 1-0 lead.

Next up for the USA is James Blake vs Mikhail Youzhny – a must win tie for the USA! Stay tuned for all the latest updates from Moscow. Go Team USA!!