Tursunov Wins Thriller

Russia have an unassailable lead in the Davis Cup semifinal after Dmitry Tursunov’s five set win 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 3-6, 17-15. It was a great comeback from Andy from two sets to love down, and it may well go down as one of the all-time classic Davis Cup five set matches.Andy found himself two sets down in less than two hours to Tursunov, who was a late replacement for Youzhny. A tense third set looked to be heading to a tie break. Then at 6-5, the first break point of the set was thrown up for Andy. Not missing a beat, Andy forced Tursunov into an error as he swung the momentum into his favour.

The deadlock in the fourth set was broken at 4-3. Andy, whose own serving was at 73% first serves, created a chance to break on the Russian’s serve. A superb approach and backhand volley secured the crucial break of the set.

The fifth set was full of twists and turns, not to mention a lot of luck! Battling against a partisan crowd, it was Andy who took the first blood of the deciding set. Breaking at 6-5, Andy set out to serve for the match. However Tursunov battled his way back into the match with some high risk winners.

The fight was on as the fifth set went down to the wire, with both men producing moments of brilliance. At 12-11, Andy and team USA survived a scare as Andy saved match points with some hefty serving.

As the match crawled to the five hour mark, there was a sense that something had to give. At 16-15, Tursunov relaxed and swung freely. Reaching match point, the Russian did not falter as he pushed a backhand pass past Andy to claim victory in 4hrs and 48 minutes.

Tursunov’s win puts Russia into the Davis Cup final where they will face Argentina.