 Youzhny reached the US Open semi-final recently |
Russia took command of their Davis Cup semi-final against the United States by winning both singles matches on the opening day of their clash in Moscow. Marat Safin brushed aside US Open finalist Andy Roddick 6-4 6-3 7-6.
Then Mikhail Youzhny made it 2-0 to the host nation by downing James Blake 7-5 1-6 6-1 7-5 in his first ever match against the world number nine.
The winners of the tie will face either Argentina or Australia, who meet in the other semi-final in Buenos Aires.
Youzhny, who was beaten by Roddick in the US Open semi-finals earlier this month, recovered from 3-0 down in the opening set to see off Blake.
"It's well known that Blake is a good starter," said the Russian, 24. "I was ready for it but still managed to win the opening set.
"After losing the second, I found my normal game again and experienced few problems up to the end."
Safin gave his side the perfect start, breaking Roddick's serve four times as well as serving 17 aces, 10 more than his opponent.
After taking a two-set lead, the Moscow-born 26-year-old came back from 5-2 down in the third-set tie-break to take the match.
Saturday's doubles will feature Youzhny and Dmitry Tursunov against US doubles specialists Mike and Bob Bryan.
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 