Tuesday, 15 April, 2008

Russia moved into the Davis Cup semi-finals on Sunday after Czech Republic's Tomas Berdych was forced to retire from his match against Nikolay Davydenko.

An enthralling encounter had moved into a fifth set when Berdych rolled his right ankle, forcing him to concede when 3-6 6-2 7-6 (7/5) 3-6 2-1 up.

Russia now lead the tie 3-1 with just one singles rubber remaining.

A solitary break was enough for Davydenko to clinch the first set but Berdych hit back with two of his own to level it.

The Czech played the better tennis in the third but was unable to convert any of five break point opportunities.

He held his nerve to win the tie-break only for Davydenko to hit back again in the fourth set.

A nervy decider started with a break apiece before the unfortunate Berdych succumbed to injury in the fourth game.

It is the second consecutive round that Russia have progressed due to a retirement - they won their first round clash against Serbia when Novak Djokovic had to pull out of his match against Davydenko due to illness.

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Nalbandian sees Argentina through
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Russia advance after Berdych injury