Mathieu beats Davydenko in Davis Cup quarterfinals

Paul-Henri Mathieu beated Nikolay Davydenko 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 7-5, giving France a 1-0 lead over defending champion Russia in the Davis Cup quarterfinals.

Photo: Mathieu beats Davydenko in Davis Cup quarterfinals

Mikhail Youzhny was to face Richard Gasquet in the second singles.

Davydenko dominated in the first set, but Mathieu soon dragged the Russian into long rallies and trapped him in the corners, leaving the court wide open.

"After 6-2 down in the first set, I tried to keep on going and play my game," Mathieu said. "I did my best and my victory gave confidence to my team."

In the fourth set, Mathieu broke Davydenko in the fifth game but the Russian leveled 4-4. Davydenko then netted two returns in the 11th game and Mathieu made a decisive break with a backhand down the line. The Frenchman won on his second match point when Davydenko's backhand down the line went wide.

"I tried to change tempo and play short in the fourth set but a couple of mistakes left me no chance," Davydenko said. "I found out that I'm absolutely unprepared for a clay season."

Russia is facing France in the Davis Cup quarterfinals for the third straight year. The Russians have not lost to France since 1983, and beat them in the 2002 final for their first Davis Cup title.

Nine-time champion France last won the title in 2001.