The Czech Republic and Spain both have one foot in the Davis Cup final after opening up 2-0 leads in their respective semi-final matches yesterday.

Andy Murray insisted being favourite for the Australian Open title did not weigh heavily on him after he crashed out in the fourth round to Spain’s Fernando Verdasco.

David Nalbandian hopes Rafael Nadal recovers from his knee injury in time for the Davis Cup final between Argentina and Spain.

Juan Martin Del Potro was overjoyed after leading Argentina into the Davis Cup final by winning the deciding contest in the 3-2 victory over Russia in Buenos Aires.

The United States’ grip on the Davis Cup was further loosened as David Ferrer beat Andy Roddick in a five-set epic to give Spain a 2-0 lead after today’s semi-final singles rubbers.

Roger Federer will team up with Bjorn Borg for a doubles match in China later this year – and could face a dream left-handed pairing of John McEnroe and Rafael Nadal.

Andy Roddick and James Blake won their singles matches yesterday to give the United States a commanding 2-0 lead over defending champions Russia in the Davis Cup final in Portland.

SWITZERLAND’S Roger Federer and the USA’s Lindsay Davenport head the seedings for the Australian Open tournament, which begins in Melbourne next week.

Wayne Arthurs today buried the Davis Cup demons that have haunted him for two years as Australia took charge of the 2003 final with a doubles victory over Spain.

As the tennis world digested the fact of Russia‘s enthralling first-ever Davis Cup final win, their top-ranked player described the experience as “better than sex”.

Lleyton Hewitt stormed through to the final of the Masters Cup.