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Kuerten the game's colorful grinder

It's quite a time to be a men's tennis fan. You've got a classy No. 1, a ferocious No. 2, and a Djoker at No. 3. Add to that a strong supporting cast of characters such as a petulant Scot, a brash American, an Ali look-alike, and a mental midget from Russian. But there's been one player sadly missing from this colorful mix, and he's about to take his final curtain call.

That's right, it's curtains for Kuerten. This week, the 31-year-old from Brazil began his last season on tour in front of his home fans in Costa do Sauipe, getting off to an inauspicious start by losing his first-round matches in both singles and doubles. "It's sad to see your career come to an end," he said. "But I can no longer play. I'm sorry, but I can't."

Guga, as he's been affectionately known almost since the time he turned pro in 1995, has been hampered by a chronic hip injury that required surgery in 2002 and 2004. Tennis' long-forgotten but much beloved surfer is scheduled to play just six tournaments this year, a farewell tour culminating with the major that solidified his place in the record books, Roland Garros.

Gustavo Kuerten, who will retire after the French Open this year, brought a splash of color and a lot of heart to the men's game.

© Jeff Gross/Getty Images As the International Tennis Hall of Fame continues to induct one-Slam wonders (not naming names, but suffice to say the latest inductee, who gets his props in July, did not receive my vote), Kuerten is a legitimate all-timer. He won three French Open titles (1997, 2000, and 2001), along with 17 other singles titles, reached No. 1 in 2000, and pocketed over $14 million in prize money. As of the end of last year, he had a 358-191 singles record. While Kuerten failed to get past the quarterfinals of the other three Grand Slams, he proved his hard-court prowess by winning Masters Series titles in Indian Wells and Miami.

It's a shame that Kuerten's best years didn't overlap those of the current crop of stars. Kuerten has a 2-1 record against Roger Federer – their last meeting, the 2004 French Open, Kuerten won in straight sets, and he also beat Federer in 2003 at Indian Wells. Guga never played Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic—and I hope he doesn't during his last few events, which could get ugly. These farewell tours are always a bit of a farce, if not downright sad, as former greats struggle to beat the Mardy Fishes of the world (no disrespect).

I prefer to remember Kuerten at the peak of his powers. It was a pretty dark time in tennis, when Pete Sampras was on his way out, and guys like Lleyton Hewitt and David Nalbandian were competing for Wimbledon gold. The courts were fast, the rallies boring. Kuerten, his hairdo changing by the season, from military crew to crow's nest, stood out as a beacon, a compelling figure with a stylish attacking game that demanded your attention.

Back then, Kuerten cultivated the vibe of a laid-back surfer dude. Hardly the look of a world-beater, he had a pencil-thin body. When he walked, his arms and legs swung jerkily back and forth, and his head rocked side to side. He was the embodiment of a bobblehead.

Which made what happened next such a surprise. With his long, roundhouse strokes, Kuerten unleashed powerful shots that belied his almost comedic appearance. Indeed, Kuerten's relaxed demeanor was more image than reality. Larry Passos, his long-time coach who brought Guga to prominence, once said that while Kuerten brought his surfboard virtually everywhere he went, he rarely surfed. Unlike Brazilian soccer players, including Ronaldo, who are famous for their flair and infamous for their aversion to training and even running on the pitch during a game, Kuerten was a grinder.

Many fans will point to Kuerten's run to the French Open title in 2001 as his crowning achievement. After defeating Alex Corretja, Kuerten showed his appreciation for his fans by drawing a heart in the clay. The moment perfectly captured Guga's charisma—his winning smile and playful attitude. But it was another tournament that showed his mettle and sealed his fate as one of the best players of his generation.

In 2000, the year he won five titles, Kuerten qualified for the season-ending Tennis Master Cup in Lisbon. In front of rabidly supportive Portuguese fans, Kuerten, who almost pulled out early in the week with severe thigh spasms and back pain, played three amazing matches in the span of 48 hours. After beating Yevgeny Kafelnikov to advance to the semifinals, Kuerten out-aced No. 1 Pete Sampras, then recovered to defeat Andre Agassi in straight sets. No one had beaten Agassi and Sampras back-to-back in a decade (Stefan Edberg did it in 1990). The win, which came on a hard court, propelled Kuerten past Marat Safin to become the first South American to finish a year at No. 1.

For all that Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic have accomplished, each of them is still waiting for their gut-check moment where they are pushed to the brink with lots at stake. (Maybe Federer's came against Nadal in the Wimbledon final last year, but I suspect we'll see more from Federer as he chases Sampras's record.)

So as Kuerten takes his final bow, all smiles and bobbling head, remember that this isn't just some laid-back goofball. Lisbon proved that. It was the finest act in Kuerten's stellar 13-year-long career.

Youzhny loses crown as Serb downs him

by Scott Williams 48 minutes ago

ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands, Feb 18, 2008 (AFP) - Russia's titleholder Mikael Youzhny lost his crown here on Monday as Serb Janko Tipsarevic upset him in the first round of the Rotterdam Open with a 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 win.

The defeat was the third in the first round here for the Russian fourth seed who lifted the title a year ago. The defeat was even more of a susprise as Youzhny had started off the season in winning style when he won the Chennai Open.

Tipsarevic sealed his reputation as a tough competitor at the Australian Open, taking Roger Federer to five gruelling sets.

Croatian giant Ivo Karlovic played Goliath to the David of Olivier Rochus, firing a dozen aces in a 6-1, 6-2 thrashing.

The 2.08 metre Karlovic had no trouble with Belgium's battling little man, who stands 38 centimetres shorter.

Coming into the first-round contest, Rochus had the 2-0 career edge through cunning shotmaking in a pair of 2005 wins.

But Karlovic needed to show only some of the form which took him to three titles in 2007 as he advanced in 64 minutes with four breaks of serve.

Spanish 2004 finalist Juan Carlos Ferrero fell victim to food poisoning, losing 7-5, 6-1 to Russian Teimuraz Gabashvili.

Ferrero looked pale and wan as he went through the motions on court at the Ahoy stadium where he lost the 2004 final to Lleyton Hewitt.

"I didn't play my best tennis from the beginning, I felt slow due to my stomach problems yesterday," said the Spaniard.

The seventh seed, ranked 20th after a run to the Auckland final last month and an Australian Open fourth round showing, just wanted to forget.

"It's the first bad match that I've played this year," said the 28-year-old who says his aim is to return to the Top ten.

"I played some good points, but I also made a lot of mistakes.

"I hope this match is just a one-off."

Ferrero managed to stay on court for 74 minutes as Gabashvili advanced into the second round at an event where Rafael Nadal is playing as top seed.

The Russian reached a career-first ATP quarter-final a year ago but also suffered 21 first round losses.

Spain's Tommy Robredo would have the chance to earn revenge for Ferrero in the next round if he can get past first-round opponent Nicolas Mahut of France.

Ivanovic ATP Top Tournament Seed for First Time

February 18, 2008 DOHA, QATAR (TICKER) -- For the first time her career, Ana Ivanovic is a top seed.

The Serb heads the field for the first Tier I tournament of the 2008 Sony Ericsson WTA Tour season, the $2.5-million Qatar Total Open, which began play on Monday.

Ivanovic has gotten off to a strong start this season, beginning with a semifinal finish at Sydney and a run to the final of the Australian Open, her second career major final.

After her runner-up finish in the season's first major, Ivanovic rose to a career-high of No. 2 in the world, behind only Belgium's Justine Henin, the defending champion of this event who is not entered this year.

In her first stint as a No. 1 seed, Ivanovic heads a strong field which includes eight of the world's top 10 players. All eight of those players, including Ivanovic, received first-round byes for the hardcourt event.

Ivanovic faces the winner of the first-round match between India's Sania Mirza and Olga Govortsova.

Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, the runner-up here to Henin last year, is the second seed and opens against either China's Shuai Peng or France's Nathalie Dechy.

No. 3 Jelena Jankovic of Serbia opens against Russia's Yaroslava Shvedova, who outlasted China's Jie Zheng, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, during Monday's opening-round action.

Fourth-seeded Maria Sharapova arguably has had the best start to the season, winning her third career Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, beating Ivanovic in the final. She hasn't even dropped a set this year, including two Fed Cup wins in Russia's first round tie with Israel.

The Russian opens play here against countrywoman Galina Voskoboeva who, beat Greece's Eleni Daniilidou, 6-1, 7-6 (8-6), on Monday.

Four other top-10 players received byes, including No. 5 seed and recent Paris champion Anna Chakvetadze and sixth-seeded and reigning Wimbledon champion Venus Williams. The seventh and eighth seeds are Slovakia's Daniela Hantuchova and France's Marion Bartoli.

Another threat is former world No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo of France, who posted a opened 7-6 (7-2), 6-3 first-round victory over Germany's Sabine Lisicki.

The lone seeded player to fall on Monday was No. 10 Nadia Petrova who was leading Spain's Anabel Medina Garrgiues, 6-2, 1-2, before retiring with gastritis.

Also on Monday, No. 12 Shahar Peer of Israel advanced with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Slovak Andreja Klepac. She now faces France's Virginie Razzano, who defeated China's Tiantian Sun, 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-2), 6-3.

Austrian Sybille Bammer, the 15th seed, beat Japan's Aiko Nakamura, 6-1, 6-3, and next meets Romanian Monica Niculescu, who eliminated American Julie Ditty, 6-1, 6-4.

Also on Monday, No. 16 Agnieszka Radwanska defeated Japan's Akiko Morigami, 7-5, 6-0, and Russian Vera Zvonareva beat countrywoman Anastasia Rodionova, 6-0, 6-3.

First prize is $414,000.

COSTA DO SAUIPE, Brazil -- Second-seeded Nicolas Almagro of Spain fought off a comeback attempt by countryman Carlos Moya to win the Brasil Open 7-6 (7-4), 3-6, 7-5 on Sunday.

It took Almagro 2½ hours to defeat the top-seeded Moya in this seaside resort in northeastern Brazil and win a top prize of $77,300.

Almagro used a powerful backhand and several well-placed shots to beat the 31-year-old Moya, who appeared tired for much of the match. Moya's five matches in the tournament averaged two hours each.

The 23-year-old Almagro has now won three career ATP titles.

Hi, will be arriving at Suvaranbhumi early morning (about 1am) from Taipei. I usually get the 150baht shuttle when I have arrived at more appropriate hours before. Whenever the airport is involved, I usually avoid the taxis, but this time I miight not have any choice. How much should I pay, and how do I avoid getting ripped off.

Might be a little late a night for this but you can go to the 4th floor departure area and catch a taxi from there. It will save you the 50 baht airport fee which you will be charged, if you catch a cab on the 2nd floor arrivals area.

Nadal to Play Opening Day of ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament

<h2 class="sIFR-replaced"></h2> Rafael Nadal is scheduled to play on the opening day of the 35th ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament. Together with doubles partner Tommy Robredo, he faces fellow-Spaniards Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco on Monday afternoon.

Exciting daytime programme for Monday

The opening match of the tournament, to be played on centre court, will be between fellow-Germans Michael Berrer and Matthias Bachinger. They will be followed by former world No 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, who faces Russian qualifier Teimuraz Gabashvili. The third match of the morning session is between the tallest and the shortest player in the draw, as Ivo Karlovic takes on Oliver Rochus. Karlovic caused quite a stir during the 2007 season by serving a staggering 1,318 aces, more than any other player on the ATP Tour. The final match of the afternoon session will see the debut appearance of Rafael Nadal. Together with Tommy Robredo, he is up against fellow-Spaniards Lopez and Verdasco.

Two doubles matches on court 1

The afternoon session on court 1 includes two doubles matches. The first, which is scheduled to start at noon, is between Christopher Glasshouse/Rogier Wassen and Tomas Berdych/Dmitry Tursunov. Their match will be followed by the first-round encounter between Mariusz Fyrstenberg/Marcin Matkowski and Jordan Kerr/David Skoch.

Defending champion Youzhny also to play on Monday

The evening session will kick off with what promises to be a tough match between defending champion Mikhail Youzhny and Janko Tipsarevic, who made life exceptionally difficult for Roger Federer during the third round of the Australian Open. The Swiss needed five sets to dispose of Tipsarevic, winning 10-8 in the fifth. The centre court match is scheduled to start at 19:30.

The final match of the day will see Mischa Zverev of Germany take on fellow-countryman Philipp Kohlschreiber.

Murray defeats Ancic to win Marseille

MARSEILLE, France (AP) - Fourth-seeded Andy Murray beat Mario Ancic of Croatia 6-3, 6-4 Sunday to win the Open 13 for his fifth career title. "It was really tough," Murray told Sport Plus television. "A lot of close games. Both of us got a little bit nervous at the end of the first set."

The 20-year-old Briton converted his second match point after Ancic netted a service return.

Ancic, ranked 135th, saved a match point at 5-3 to hold his serve after Murray had rallied from a 3-1 deficit.

"I served well in the more important points," Murray said. "In the second set, I returned really well. He tired a little bit."

Murray won by dominating exchanges from the baseline. He took Ancic's serve in the first set at 4-3 with a forehand winner down the line.

Ancic wasted five chances to break back in the next game to let Murray convert his fifth set point with an ace.

Murray had 11 aces and one double-fault overall.

Ancic, a former top 10 player before illness and a shoulder injury marred his 2007 season, got a wild card to play in the Marseille tournament.

Ancic lost the Open 13 final to Frenchman Arnaud Clement in 2006

looks like theres a new kid in town,this will give others hope when they next meet federer

Nishikori Stuns Blake to Take Delray Championship

AP - Feb 17, 5:13 pm EST

More Photos DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Qualifier Kei Nishikori became the first Japanese man to win an ATP title in 16 years by upsetting top-seeded James Blake 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the International Tennis Championships final on Sunday.

"I still can't believe it that I beat James Blake," the 18-year-old Nishikori told the crowd, which included a dozen Japanese fans chanting "Nippon! Nippon!" high up in the stands. "I've only seen him on TV. This is my best tournament ever."

With the win, the 244th-ranked Nishikori is expected to move to a No. 122 ranking. He is the youngest player to win an ATP title since Lleyton Hewitt won Adelaide as a 16-year-old in 1998.

"Last night I couldn't imagine. I tried to imagine winning the final, but I couldn't do it," said Nishikori, whose parents watched the match on an Internet feed. "I was so nervous in the first set."

Shuzo Matsuoka was the last tournament champion from Japan. He won his lone career title at the Seoul tournament in April 1992.

Nishikori used deep ground strokes and a multifaceted game to win eight matches in the tournament, three in qualifying and five in the main draw. He saved four match points in his semifinal against third-seeded American Sam Querrey.

Blake, who appeared to emotionally fade at times in the match, was quick to credit Nishikori as a future star.

"Congratulations to Kei on winning his first ATP title," Blake said. "I'm sure it will be one of many. He's been impressive all week. He has a very bright future."

Blake, 10 years older than Nishikori and currently ranked 12th, has failed to capture the title in two consecutive final appearances at the ITC. Blake was the third top-seeded player to reach the final at this tournament since it began in 1993. None of the three captured the title.

"I can't seem to get that winner's title so I'll have to keep coming back and trying," Blake said.

Blake took control of the first set when he broke serve in the eighth game. From there, the match belonged to the Japanese teen, who took a 5-0 lead in the second set before Blake managed to get on the scoreboard.

In the third set, Nishikori saved three break points on his own serve in the second game. Blake then squandered two game points to have his serve broken at ad-out when Nishikori sent a backhand floater down the line.

"He was hitting cold winners at times that you wouldn't have expected," Blake said.

Nishikori, who has trained at the Nick Bollettieri Academy the past three years, earned $68,800. Blake won $37,350.

18-year-old Kei Nishikori reaches first ATP final at Delray Beach

February 16, 2008

AP - Feb 16, 6:10 pm EST

More Photos DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Teen qualifier Kei Nishikori of Japan reached his first ATP final by beating third-seeded Sam Querrey 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7) on Saturday at the International Tennis Championships.

Down 6-3 in the third-set tiebreaker, the 18-year-old Nishikori saved four match points before winning on his first chance to close out the match with Querrey serving at 7-8.

"I had confidence," Nishikori said. "I'm just so happy, but I got one more (match) tomorrow."

Nishikori will play either top seed James Blake or wild-card entry Robby Ginepri in the final. He is the first Japanese man to reach a tour final since Shuzo Matsuoka lost to Wayne Ferreira at Queens Club in June 1992.

Matsuoka, who coached Nishikori at times in his youth, was the last Japanese man to win a tour title he beat Australian Todd Woodbridge for the Seoul title in April 1992.

"He (Matsuoka) is the only one (player from Japan) to reach the top 50," said the 224th-ranked Nishikori, hoping to have a more successful career. "I want to pass him."

Nishikori has been training at the Nick Bollettieri Academy the past three years on a grant bestowed by Masaaki Morita, the CEO of Sony.

"Super Mario" upsets Baghdatis--Meets England #1, Murray, in Open 13 Final

MARSEILLE, France (AP) -- Mario Ancic of Croatia defeated Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus 6-4, 6-2 Saturday to gain the Open 13 final against Andy Murray of Britain.

The fourth-seeded Murray cruised past No. 8 Paul-Henri Mathieu of France 6-2, 6-2 in the first semifinal.

The 135th-ranked Ancic, who was a top-10 player before illness and a shoulder injury marred his 2007 season, broke the sixth-ranked Baghdatis once in the first set and twice in the second.

"I played an unbelievable match today against Marcos," Ancic said. "I've come a long way. It's nice to be here.

Ancic landed just 44 percent of his first serves in the second set, but Baghdatis wasted his three break points.

"I struggled a bit with my serve in the second set, but I played very well from behind," Ancic said.

Earlier, Murray won half of the points played on Mathieu's serve and every point on his own first serve to improve to 2-0 against the Frenchman.

"My return was unbelievable," Murray said. "I hope it can go on tomorrow."

Murray took Mathieu's serve in the opening game and again to lead 4-1 in the first set. The Briton also broke twice in the second set and converted his second match point on a netted backhand to close it out in 63 minutes.

"He played well. It was a non-match from me," said Mathieu, who had no break points.

Simon Upsets Djokovic

(Updates after Gasquet defeat) By Eric Salliot

MARSEILLE, France, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic made a second-round exit from the Marseille Open when holder Gilles Simon of France knocked him out 6-2 6-7 6-3 on Thursday.

Top seed Djokovic, apparently still suffering from the flu symptoms that forced him to retire from a Davis Cup tie against Russia last weekend, looked a shadow of his brilliant best, accumulating unforced errors.

After a clumsy first set, the Serbian world number three hinted at a recovery by saving a match point before taking the second set tiebreak.

World number 30 Simon, however, was back on top in the decisive set, during which Djokovic had his blood pressure checked by the tournament's doctor.

Djokovic suggested afterwards it may have been better if he had not come to Marseille.

"I was not 100 percent fit," he told reporters. "I struggled in the long rallies and against a player as strong as Simon, that's not good enough.

"After the weekend in Moscow, the chances I would come here were not good but there was a lot of pressure for me to come. That will teach me a lesson."

Simon showed no mercy, saying: "I don't look for excuses when I lose so I don't find excuses for those I beat. He was sluggish and that suited me."

Simon next meets compatriot Paul-Henri Mathieu, who survived 23 aces from fellow Frenchman Michael Llodra to pull off a 7-6 7-6 win.

MURRAY THROUGH

French number one Richard Gasquet, seeded second, was beaten 4-6 6-3 6-2 by Swede Robin Soderling in late action.

Gasquet started well, converting his only break opportunity in the first set, but then struggled with his serve and Soderling, who stopped the Frenchman in the quarter-finals here last year, took control.

British fourth seed Andy Murray had earlier recovered from a woeful spell to defeat Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 3-6 7-6 6-1.

World number 11 Murray opened up a 3-0 lead before collapsing as his opponent reeled off nine of the next 10 games to take the first set and go 3-1 up in the second.

The Scot, who beat Wawrinka in last month's Qatar Open final, hit back to level before snatching the tiebreak 7-5 with an ace and cruising through the deciding set.

"I felt fine at first but then I started to struggle to keep the ball in court," Murray said.

"Everybody knows Stan can get nervous when a match gets tight. I know him well because he's one of my best friends on the tour."

Murray was knocked out in the first round of last month's Australian Open before a knee injury forced him to withdraw from the Davis Cup tie with Argentina.

He goes on to meet Frenchman Nicolas Mahut. The pair have met once before, last year in Indian Wells, and Murray won 6-1 6-3. (Writing by Patrick Vignal, editing by Alison Wildey)

James Blake reaches 2nd round of Delray Beach tennis

February 13, 2008 DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- James Blake reached the second round of the Delray Beach International on Wednesday with a 7-5, 7-5 win over Robert Kendrick on Tuesday night.

The 12th-ranked Blake had his the first set interrupted by rain and was down 2-3 and 3-4 in the second set.

"I was sweating a little bit when he was up a break twice in the second set," Blake said. "It was a tricky match, I was sitting around all day and there wasn't a lot of rhythm."

Donald Young fell apart after leading 5-0 in the first set and eventually lost to Amer Delic 7-6 (7), 6-3.

The 18-year-old Young, who served for the opening set at 5-1 and 5-3, had two set points on Delic's serve in the 10th game, then watched four set points go by the wayside in the tiebreaker. After losing the first set, he tossed his racket out of the stadium.

"I'm still trying to figure it out myself," said Young, when asked how he lost control of the match. "I've beaten him before and it shouldn't have gone to the tiebreaker in that first set. It did, he won it and all credit to him."

Delic, who won the opening set with a crisp backhand crosscourt winner, missed the racket throw, but sensed that Young's emotions were taking over.

"He did unravel," said Delic, who had received a warning himself early in the match for hitting a ball outside the stadium. "After first set, he chucked his racket but I didn't see it. But I heard the boos from the crowd."

Young started the second set with a 2-1 lead after breaking Delic's serve in the third game, but couldn't keep his composure.

ATP supervisor Mark Darby said that Young, who received a code violation warning for tossing his racket, could be in further trouble for the match, which will be reviewed.

No. 5 seed Florian Mayer of Germany retired with a left leg injury with Japanese qualifier Kei Nishikori leading 6-0, 4-3.

In a match continued from Tuesday. Sam Querrey beat Yuri Schukin of Russia 6-1, 6-4. Vince Spadea took advantage of his 3-0 lead in his match from Tuesday to close out Denis Gremelmayr of Germany 6-3, 6-4.

Mardy Fish's match against Ivan Navarro of Spain and Robby Ginepri's match against Michael Russell, as well as two doubles matches, were postponed because of the weather.

OPEN 13: Top Seeds Fall, Djokovic and Gasquet Disappoint

Qualifying for the quarterfinals : how it happened

Not the day for "Djoko"

The top seeded Novak Djokovic (CRO) was taken out by the defending "Open 13" champion Gilles Simon (FRA). After coming back from a match point for Simon in the 2nd set, it seemed that "Djoko" was on the run. Eventually that was insufficient as Simon looked less tired, and a 6-2 6-7 (6) 6-3 victory over the world nr.3 for the Frenchman.

Murray stays tough

The fourth seeded world nr.11 Andy Murray, after being a set and a break down came back to take the second set in a tie-break, forcing the frustrated Wawrinka to crash his racket intentionally right after. The Scot defeated the Swiss 3-6 7-6 (5) 6-1 passing on to the quarters.

Youzhny "guards" well

The 3rd seeded Russian Mikhail Youzhny went straight sets versus the Frenchman Julien Benneteau. After taking the 1st set the "Soldier" faced the score 15-40 in his first three service games, but managed to hold all of them and 7-5 6-3 victory for a place in the quarters.

After Djokovic, Gasquet

Another upset of the day was for the 2nd seeded Richard Gasquet who just like last year could not get over Robin Soderling (SWE). With the score 4-6 6-3 6-2 the Swede secured a place in the quarters.

The other quarterfinalists are Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA), who beat Michael Llodra (FRA) 7-6 (4) 7-6 (5); Mario Ancic (CRO), who beat Teimuraz Gabashvili (RUS) 6-3 6-2; and Marcos Baghdatis (CYP), who defeated Ivo Karlovic (CRO) 6-4 6-4.

The Davis Bangkok on Sukhumvit 24 is a great hotel. Can be pricey unless you book with online agency such as www.atsiam.com .

France's Tsonga Falls Flat

France's surprise Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga suffered a disappointing return to France today as he was beaten 7-5 7-6 in straight sets by Croatian Mario Ancic in the first round of the Marseille Open.

The 22-year-old seventh seed was never able to settle against Ancic, who has slipped from the top 10 to 135 in the world following a year of injury and suffering from glandular fever.

Tsonga, who was a top junior and broke into the world's top 50 for the first time last year, said he had been powerless in the face of Ancic's all round game.

"He (Ancic) played really well, served really well throughout and was very difficult to break," conceded Tsonga, who among other scalps claimed that of world number two Rafael Nadal in his run to the Australian Open final.

"However, I stuck to my game throughout.

"That is now two months I have been giving my all. It was my first tournament in France since the Australian Open and I really wanted to play well."

Tsonga did have a great chance to close out the first set when leading 5-4 and 30-0 on Ancic's serve, but the 23-year-old Croat - finalist here in 2006 - powered down a series of stunning serves to save the game.

Ancic - semifinalist at Wimbledon in 2004 - then broke Tsonga for good measure in the next game and closed out the set.

The second set followed almost the same pattern in being a battle of big servers, with Ancic sealing victory in the tie-break.

Tsonga was almost a lone example of a Frenchman losing on Wednesday as second seed Richard Gasquet, titleholder Gilles Simon and Michael Llodra progressed.

France's red letter day ended on a high as Nicolas Mahut ousted fifth seeded Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero, the 44th ranked Frenchman prevailing in a three set thriller, 5-7 6-4 7-6 in two-and-a-half-hours and became the first player to reach the third round.

"I am really happy," Mahut said.

"It is super important to win matches like that, as if you don't the disappointment is enormous. This really is hugely satisfying."

Top seed Novak Djokovic entered the fray in another evening match and showed no signs of the dizziness and nausea that plagued him in his Davis Cup rubber last Sunday, easing to a 6-1 6-4 win over Croatian qualifier and world ranked 296th Ivan Dodig.

Ancic knocks out Tsonga, Djokovic wins

MARSEILLE, France (AP) -Nicolas Mahut upset Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (1) to reach the quarterfinals of the Open 13 on Wednesday.

Also, Mario Ancic of Croatia, in his first match of the year after a stomach illness, stunned Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-5, 7-6 (3). Ancic earned the only service break at 5-5 in the first set.

Top three seeds Novak Djokovic, Richard Gasquet, and Mikhail Youzhny won in straight sets to advance to the second round.

Fifth-seeded Ferrero won more points than Mahut, but the Frenchman made the difference at crunch time, taking Ferrero's serve twice in the tiebreaker for a 4-0 lead before converting his first match point at 6-1.

Australian Open champion Djokovic cruised past Croatian qualifier Ivan Dodig 6-1, 6-4 without showing any of the flu symptoms that forced him to retire in Serbia's Davis Cup tie with Russia last weekend.

He will next play defending champion Gilles Simon, who beat David Guez 6-2, 6-4.

Gasquet, the No. 2 seed, had 17 aces to best Simone Bolelli of Italy 6-3, 6-3, while third-seeded Youzhny edged Marin Cilic of Croatia 6-4, 7-6 (3).

In other matches, Michael Llodra of France defeated Andreas Seppi of Italy 6-2, 7-6 (5), and Ivo Karlovic of Croatia beat Feliciano Lopez of Spain 6-7 (6), 7-5, 7-6 (4) in 2 hours, 10 minutes.

Karlovic will face Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus in the second round while Llodra will take on Paul-Henri Mathieu.

There's Suda at Sukhumvit 14, which most people know about, as well as the food courts(thai styled) at the Emporium and at Robinson's. There's another open air place between Sukhumvit 15 and Robinson's, which serves decent food. Tough to find a good place with air conditioning with reasonable pricing!

What Next for Nalbandian?

© Getty Images

By JORGE VIALE

Published: January 10, 2008

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After years of under delivering on his vast potential, David Nalbandian is ready to live up to his promise.

We're in Villa del Dique, a small town of around 2,800 people in Cordoba, Argentina. David Nalbandian has interrupted his three-week holiday to attend an unusual press conference: He has been invited by Luis Santos, his first tennis coach, to deliver a speech to 100 children, revealing his secrets of how to beat both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

A jovial Nalbandian also relates how he came to be a tennis player. The tale is one of an undecided boy who played soccer when tennis bored him, who enjoyed watching rally car competitions in his hometown, but who later learned that he could make a career by wielding a racquet. "When I was 11, I would switch between tennis and other sports," Nalbandian recalls. "Three years later, I would be playing for four hours against older people. I was a total tennis fan. Today, I just practise for an hour and a half, but focusing on what I need to improve. Those are different stages in your career."

Suddenly, a girl stands up and raises her voice to ask a crucial question: "Next year, are you going to be focused only on tennis?" Grinning, Nalbandian promptly answers: "Yes, as always." The room erupts with laughter.

As someone who until recently had relatively little to show for his prodigious talent, the response was like a bittersweet joke. Despite finishing no lower than No. 12 for five consecutive years between 2002-06, the Argentine had won just five ATP titles, with his 2005 Tennis Masters Cup final triumph over an injured Roger Federer his only victory at Masters Series or Grand Slam level. He reached the Wimbledon final in 2002 and a year later held match point against eventual champion Andy Roddick in the US Open semifinals, but his game that promised so much had delivered so little in terms of hard results.

That is why 2007 was shaping as such a bitter season for Nalbandian, who at 25, should have been hitting his peak. In mid October, with just three weeks to play before his miserable season was over, Nalbandian came into ATP Masters Series Madrid at No. 25 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings after reaching just one quarterfinal (Barcelona) all year.

But in one of the most dramatic performances in recent memory, Nalbandian became the first player to defeat World No. 1 Roger Federer and World No. 2 Rafael Nadal in the same tournament on two occasions en route to winning back-to-back ATP Masters Series titles in Madrid and Paris and finishing the year inside the Top 10 (at No. 9) for the fifth straight year. To the relief of all eight competitors at Tennis Masters Cup, Nalbandian missed a place in Shanghai by one spot. "I don't know what the hel_l he's been doing all the other tournaments," Federer quipped.

So which David Nalbandian will show up in 2008: the one who over promises, or the one who over delivers? Certainly the goals are lofty, starting with a quest to break the Grand Slam domination of Federer and Nadal, who have shared the past 11 majors since Marat Safin won the 2005 Australian Open after saving match point against Federer in the semifinals.

"My first Grand Slam, an Olympic medal in Beijing and the Davis Cup," Nalbandian says of his ambitious hit-list for 2008. "Each one represents a different satisfaction - the first one, rather individual; the others would mean to leave my mark on the sport's history in Argentina.

Nalbandian, who turned 26 on January 1, is more tentative assessing his chances to become No.1, but still brings the subject to the table. "I'll go for it, no doubt. Of course, it's extremely difficult. What Federer does is out of this world, winning almost every tournament he plays. But at least I will say I'm going to try."

Spaniard Alex Corretja, another former Tennis Masters Cup champion, certainly sees further improvement for Nalbandian in 2008. "The creativity Nalbandian shows on court is astonishing. Next year, he should at least be in the Top 5." [Nalbandian has never finished in the year-end Top 5. Indeed, he has finished higher than No. 8 just once - in 2005 when he ended at No. 6.]

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'Baby Federer' Shakes Off Growing Pains

© Getty Images

By GEORGES HOMSI

Published: January 10, 2008

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From the tender age of nine, Richard Gasquet has been touted as a future World No. 1. His game is so technically complete that he has been dubbed 'Baby Federer,' and at 21 he is one of just three active players to have won titles on all surfaces. He finished 2007 ranked No. 8, yet some French fans still doubt he is destined for greatness.

As a bookend to his breakout year in 2007, it was not the grand finale that Richard Gasquet had in mind.

With a shot at the Tennis Masters Cup semifinals at stake, the young Frenchman suffers a crushing 6-1, 6-1 defeat at the hands of Spanish revelation David Ferrer. Gasquet is as groggy as a boxer reeling from an uppercut as the French media bombard him with questions. "What can I say? Ferrer is the toughest player for me to face. I'd rather play Federer or Nadal," says the 21-year-old native of Sérignan, a small city in the south of France known for its laid-back attitude, warm hospitality and passion for rugby.

After an inspired debut in Shanghai, which saw him force Nadal to three sets, then outplay world No. 3 Novak Djokovic, Gasquet looked every bit a Top 10 player before being humbled by the rampaging Ferrer. Asked whether finishing a career-best No. 8 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings was the realization of a lifelong dream, Gasquet, seemingly a little irritated, replied: "Yes it is! It's not my ultimate goal, but a dream come true, yes, absolutely. I don't care about people who think that I should be higher ranked, and that I'm not fulfilling my potential. It's great for me, my parents, my coach, and those close to me because, believe me, reaching the Top 10 is anything but easy."

Like Tim Henman, who throughout his career was criticized in Great Britain for failing to win Wimbledon, Gasquet is the victim of a reputation he developed at an extremely young age: that of a potential world No. 1. At age nine, he was featured on the cover of France's Tennis magazine with the caption: "Is Richard G the champion France is eagerly waiting for?"

The tone was set - at least in the eyes of tennis fans. Privately, the Gasquet family knew his path would be long and hard. "In spite of his exceptional results back then, he never became big headed. He never took those results as a guarantee that he would make it on the professional Tour," says his father, Francis.

Gasquet captured the junior titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2002 at age 16 and soon after was crowned Junior World Champion. Earlier that year Gasquet became the youngest player in more than 10 years to win a main draw ATP match when, after advancing from qualifying, he took out World No. 54 Franco Squillari in the first round of Masters Series Monte Carlo. He was just 15 years, 10 months old. Many viewed that victory as his long-predicted professional breakthrough. But Gasquet wasn't yet ready to find his way on the ATP Tour. Physically his body was far from strong enough to sustain the demands of playing at that level week-in-week-out, and the weight of expectations took its toll.

And, as a growing boy competing in a man's arena, injuries didn't spare him. When, on a few occasions, he wilted before the conclusion of hard-fought matches because of exhaustion, extreme heat, or physical distress, he was quickly labeled a quitter. In the eyes of French fans, Gasquet's fragility did not compare favorably with the iron man feats of Rafael Nadal, just 15 days older than Gasquet, but with a body of a hardened veteran.

"The comparison with Nadal was not always easy to accept, but it motivated Richard to set even higher goals for himself," Gasquet's father says. Francis taught his son the basics of tennis with a technique so pure that Gasquet was quickly dubbed the "Mozart of French tennis." "He was always so intent on reaching technical perfection, that sometimes he was making things harder for himself," says Francis. "A few years ago, he played very well in the South American clay swing, and I was able to get the tape of his best matches. We watched them together, and I was surprised at how disappointed he was at seeing himself missing a forehand here or there."

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Russia, Germany, Sweden join other Davis Cup quarterfinalists

LONDON (AP) -Russia took advantage of an ailing Novak Djokovic to reach the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup on Sunday, when Germany and Sweden also advanced.

The United States, Argentina, the Czech Republic, Spain and France all reached the quarterfinals on Saturday.

The Russians, who lost to the U.S. in last year's final, earned their decisive point in the 3-2 win over Serbia when Djokovic withdrew from the first reverse singles match despite leading Nikolay Davydenko 6-4, 6-3, 4-6.

``I decided to stop because I don't want to risk my health,'' the Australian Open champion said. ``I wanted to fight. I tried to play, but in the end I was aware of the fact that I am very dizzy and I have a lack of energy. I just didn't want to continue because of the risk I had.''

Sweden rallied to beat Israel 3-2, winning both reverse singles matches Sunday, and Philipp Kohlschreiber gave Germany the winning point in a 3-2 win over South Korea in the best-of-five series by beating Lee Hyung-taik 6-0, 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (1).

Djokovic, who was playing his first singles match since winning the Australian Open, withdrew from the opening singles Friday because of the flu. But he played doubles Saturday, partnering with Nenad Zimonjic to give Serbia its first point.

Russia will play the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals in April. The Czechs lost both reverse singles matches Sunday but still beat Belgium 3-2.

The United States, which won its record 32nd Davis Cup title last year, took a 4-1 victory on clay at Austria. The U.S. will face France in the next round.

Stefan Koubek earned Austria's lone point when Mike Bryan retired while trailing 7-5, 1-0. Bryan's brother Bob, the other half of the winning doubles team, defeated Werner Eschauer 6-0, 3-6, 7-6 (3) in the final match.

The French team swept Romania 5-0 with Michael Llodra and Arnaud Clement winning Sunday.

Thomas Johansson and Jonas Bjorkman kept Sweden in the competition at Israel. Johansson defeated Dudi Sela 7-6, 6-1, 7-5 to even the score at 2-2 and Bjorkman recovered from a horrible first set to beat Harel Levy 0-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (6).

The Swedes, who reached the semifinals last year, will play Argentina in the quarterfinals.

The Argentines beat Britain 4-1, with Jose Acasuso defeating Alex Bogdanovic 7-5, 7-5 in the first reverse singles match and Jamie Baker giving the visitors a point by beating Agustin Calleri 7-6 (7), 6-4 in the second.

Kohlschreiber got his third win of the series to help Germany advance past South Korea, serving two aces in the fourth set tiebreaker.

``The whole week has been great for me,'' Kohlschreiber said. ``I dominated from the start.''

The Germans played without Tommy Haas, who has a shoulder injury.

Germany next gets Spain, which led 3-0 at Peru ahead of Sunday's reverse singles matches.

Open 13 Tournament(France) draw completed; Possible Djokovic-Tsonga rematch

The draw ceremony of the 2008 Open 13 has been completed this Saturday February 9^th at the Palais des Sports de Marseille.

Number 1 seed Novak Djokovic will have a tough possible second round versus Gilles Simon as well as a rough quarterfinal match versus Paul-Henri Mathieu.

Scottsmen Andy Murray will also be challenged. A first round match versus a qualifier should put him through to the second round. It will then be the winner of Grosjean-Wawrinka followed by Juan-Carlos Ferrero in the quarters.

The bottom half of the draw has 2007 runner-up Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus face-off Russian talent Mikhail Youzhny in the quarters, whereas Richard Gasquet seeded number 2 should clash with teammate and friend Jo-Wildfried Tsonga for a spot in the semis.

Projected quarter finals:

Djokovic (SER, 1) - Mathieu (FRA, 8)

Murray (GBR, 4) - Ferrero (ESP, 5)

Youzhny (RUS, 3) - Baghdatis (CYP, 6)

Gasquet (FRA, 2) - Tsonga (FRA, 8)

Federer's Secret Coach? From Katie. Thanks.

Posted by tennisplanet on February 9, 2008

Katie |

Nice article on Federer and his friend Reto.

Federer's Secret Coach?: Longtime friend a source of advice

By James Martin

Reto Staubli, a longtime friend and former national player in Switzerland, has often served as tennis advisor and sounding board for Federer, who has been without a coach for long periods during his career.

© AP

In the third set of the 2004 Wimbledon final, Roger Federer found himself tied at one set all, but down 2-4 to an in-the-zone Andy Roddick. That's when rain forced the players off the court. Roddick huddled with his coach, Brad Gilbert. Who did Federer seek out? A proprietary trader at Credit Suisse named Reto Staubli, a good friend who, as the world No. 1 put it after the match, "also used to play tennis a bit." Staubli's advice: Start charging the net.

It was a turning point. Federer won in four sets. That's right, a banker helped save Federer that day. In fact, he's been supporting Federer as a friend and informal advisor for the last four years.

Staubli, 37, met 14-year-old Federer in 1995. Back then, Staubli, who played at a club in Basel, was one of the best players in Switzerland, he says. "Roger wanted to watch the elders play," Staubli says. "It was interesting for him to see good-level tennis."

Who was better? "We never had an official match, but in practice I was much better than him," says Staubli, who had no plans to travel to Australia this year, where Federer lost in the semifinals. "But two years later, he was already better."

Fast forward to the end of 2003: Federer was about to part ways with his coach, Peter Lundgren, but was concerned about traveling to the 2004 Australian Open without an adviser. He gave Staubli a call. "We were close, even back then, and Roger was just 22, not as mature as he is now," Staubli says. "He knew I was a good player, [and that I] knew the game."

Staubli ended up traveling to 10 events that year and watching Federer win three Slams. While he wasn't paid for his efforts, Staubli says, "It was an unbelievable collaboration . . . the most amazing experience."

Federer hired Tony Roche as a part-time advisor in 2005 but has again been coachless since the two split last May.

Staubli has curtailed his travel, but he gets time off to attend big events, such as Miami and the U.S. Open. At tournaments, Staubli and Federer discuss his opponents. "It helps for him to talk things through," says Staubli, who also attends many of Federer's weekend matches in Europe.

"Reto is a great friend," Federer says, "and has been extremely helpful to me during the most difficult times in my career."

While not much rattles Federer, Staubli says that his buddy was clearly nervous before last year's Wimbledon final. He also says that Federer could have a second career as a coach. "He knows all about the players, why certain grips and techniques might be wrong, all the strategies," Staubli says. "He could be an unbelievable coach."

Federer, a better coach than player? That's a scary thought.

This story appears in the March issue of TENNIS magazine.

Israel Edge Into Lead; Serbia Fights Back; USA Wins © Getty Images

ISRAEL 2, SWEDEN 1

World No. 9 doubles pairing Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram gave Israel a 2-1 lead over Sweden after a 6-3, 7-6(3), 7-5 victory against Simon Aspelin and Robert Lindstedt.

Australian Open champions Erlich and Ram converted four of eight break points and hit 44 winners to just 16 unforced errors to secure victory over the Swedes in two hours and 25 minutes.

Erlich and Ram, who are Israel's most successful doubles pairing in the competition, now have a 10-3 Davis Cup doubles record together. On Friday, Dudi Sela gave Israel the lead, before Thomas Johansson's victory over Harel Levy saw the tie all square overnight. Israel now just needs to win one of the reverse singles rubbers to be played on Sunday to book its place in the World Group quarterfinals in April.

RUSSIA 2, SERBIA 1

Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic recovered from illness to pair up with Stanford ATP Doubles World No. 7 Nenad Zimonjic to hand Serbia a lifeline in its tie against Russia as the duo defeated Mikhail Youzhny (a late replacement for Marat Safin) and Dmitry Tursunov 6-3, 7-6(6), 7-6(5).

After losing both opening singles rubbers on Friday, Serbia had to win to keep the tie alive and two breaks of serve and 31 winners helped them to secure the doubles rubber in two hours and 37 minutes.

Going into the final day's play, Serbia trails 2-1 in Moscow and must win both reverse singles rubbers to complete the comeback and book its spot in the quarterfinals. Djokovic is scheduled to play first against Davydenko on Sunday.

GERMANY 2, KOREA, REP. 1

Philipp Kohlschreiber and Philipp Petzschner joined up to nudge Germany in front as they defeated Woong-Sun Jan and Jae-Sung An 6-1, 6-3, 6-3 in Germany on Saturday.

The German pair converted all seven break point opportunities they held and hit 63 winners to just 10 unforced errors in sealing victory in one hour and 24 minutes. Germany now goes into the final day's singles with a 2-1 advantage. Kohlschreiber will play first against Hyung-Taik Lee.

UNITED STATES 3, AUSTRIA 0

ATP World Doubles No. 1 pairing Bob and Mike Bryan put the United States into the Davis Cup world group quarterfinals with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Jurgen Melzer and Julian Knowle in Vienna on Saturday.

The American twins hit 35 winners to just 10 unforced errors and converted five of 12 break points to stroll to victory in one hour and 29 minutes. The Bryans now have a 14-1 Davis Cup doubles record together,

With victories for Andy Roddick and James Blake in Friday's singles rubbers, the USA now holds an unassailable 3-0 lead in the tie and will play a home tie against France in the quarterfinals. The United States won the Davis Cup last year, defeating Russia in the final.

FRANCE 3, ROMANIA 0

Reigning Wimbledon champions Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra sealed France's victory over Romania after working harder than expected to defeat Florin Mergea and Horia Tecau 6-3, 6-4, 6-7(6), 3-6, 6-2. In the third set the Frenchmen held one match point in the 10th game and one more in the tie-break, but they were unable to close out the match in straight sets.

France will next meet defending champion USA on American soil in the quarterfinals.

Clement and Llodra are playing just their second event of 2008 together. They reached the Australian Open final in Melbourne last month (l. Erlich/Ram).

ARGENTINA 3, GREAT BRITAIN 0

Argentina powered into the quarterfinals for the seventh consecutive season after Jose Acasuso and David Nalbandian defeated Ross Hutchins and Jamie Murray 6-2, 7-6(11), 6-0. Argentina next faces the winner of Israel and Sweden, whom the Argentines lost to in last year's quarterfinals.

CZECH REPUBLIC 3, BELGIUM 0

After taking a 2-0 lead on Day 1, the Czech Republic went for the kill Saturday against Belgium, bringing in big guns Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek for the doubles rubber. Berdych and Stepanek won a four hour, 21 minute epic against Kristof Vliegen and Olivier Rochus 6-7(2), 7-6(6), 7-5, 5-7, 6-4. The Czechs will next play the winner of Russia and Serbia.

SPAIN 3, PERU 0

Spain advanced to the quarterfinals after Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco defeated Luis Horna and Ivan Miranda 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4), which gave the visiting team an unassailable 3-0 lead. The Spaniards will play the winner of Germany and Korea.

The Spaniards have won all nine sets on the first three days of competition.

Friday: Defending Champions in Control; Argentina Holds Aces

Friday: Russia And France Make Perfect Starts

Fast Start Propels Youzhny Back into Top 10 © Getty Images

While Novak Djokovic grabbed headlines with his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, another player enjoyed a successful start in the opening month of the 2008 season.

Russian Mikhail Youzhny won nine of 10 matches in his first two tournaments, capturing his fourth career ATP title in Chennai and advancing to his second Grand Slam quarterfinal (or better) at the Australian Open.

ATP Profile: Mikhail Youzhny

Youzhny Victorious in Chennai

For his efforts, the 25-year-old Moscow native climbed from No. 19 to a career-high No. 8 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings. He posted a win over No. 2 Rafael Nadal in the Chennai final and beat No. 4 and countryman Nikolay Davydenko in the fourth round at the Australian Open before falling to surprise finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

"Yeah, it's a good start, but the season just started," said Youzhny in Melbourne after defeating Davydenko for the first time in four meetings. "I have had some good matches, but...you always want more."

Youzhny and Davydenko will lead Russia into this weekend's first round Davis Cup tie against Djokovic and the rest of his Serbian teammates in Moscow. The last time two Russians ranked among the Top 8 was Oct. 31, 2005 when Marat Safin was No. 5 and Davydenko No. 8. Last year Russia finished runner-up to the U.S. by reaching the Davis Cup final for the second straight year (d. Argentina in '06). The last country to reach three straight Cup finals was Australia from 1999-2001.

While Youzhny broke the Top 10 for the first time last August, he was there for one week before dropping out. This time he plans to stay in the Top 10 a bit longer.

After the Davis Cup tie, Youzhny will return to ATP competition next week in Marseille and he will defend his Rotterdam title later this month before going on to Dubai where he reached last year's final.

Youzhny is hoping his hot starts (18-5 in '07) the last two seasons will continue throughout the year. He finished with a career-best 50-24 match record last year and No. 19 ranking, his second Top 20 season-ending result (No. 16 in '04).

Youzhny is one of the ATP's most versatile players on all surfaces, compiling records of 24-13 on hard, 15-8 on clay, 6-2 on carpet and 5-1 on grass, last season. During his seven year-plus Grand Slam career, he's advanced to the fourth round or better at each Slam tournament.

DAVIS CUP

World Group, First Round

Djokovic to Play First Match Since Major Triumph © Getty Images

Novak Djokovic this week will play his first match since capturing his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

Djokovic will lead Serbia in its Davis Cup World Group first round tie against Russia, who lost to the United States in the final last year.

On Saturday, approximately 15,000 Serbians at City Hall in Belgrade gave the 20-year-old a raucous welcome following his 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(2) win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France in the Australian Open final. Match Report

Photo Gallery: Celebrations in Belgrade

Djokovic helped Serbia win promotion to the 2008 World Group by winning three rubbers in its 4-1 victory over Australia in the play-offs last year.

The World No. 3, who boasts an 11-3 singles record in the international men's team competition, travels to Moscow as part of a four-man squad that includes Janko Tipsarevic, Viktor Troicki and Nenad Zimonjic.

Serbia could have its work cut out against Russia, the two-time winners. Russian captain Shamil Tarpischev has selected World No. 4 Nikolay Davydenko, Chennai champion Mikhail Youzhny, Sydney titlist Dmitry Tursunov and Marat Safin.

Elsewhere, defending champions United States face a first round test against Austria at the Ferry Dusika Hallenstadion in Vienna.

Captain Patrick McEnroe has stuck to the same line-up that earned the United States its 32nd Davis Cup crown. Andy Roddick, James Blake and Bob and Mike Bryan will hope to beat Austria on clay for the first time since 1990.

Richard Gasquet spearheads a strong French squad that include World No. 18 Tsonga for the first time and Australian Open finalists Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra away to Romania, who is led by 34-year-old Andrei Pavel.

Australian Open doubles champions Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram compete for Israel, contesting its the World Group tie for 13 years, at home to Sweden.

In other first round ties, Auckland winner Philipp Kohlschreiber competes for Germany at home to the Republic of Korea; World No. 9 David Nalbandian leads Argentina against Great Britain in Buenos Aires; first-time World Group nation Peru challenge Spain and the Czech Republic hopes to extend its 6-3 lead over Belgium in Ostrava.

More Information at DavisCup.com