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Nalbandian heroics help Argentina into semis

David Nalbandian inspired Argentina to a 3-2 victory in Russia

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David Nalbandian was the hero for Argentina after he beat Mikhail Youzhny in straight sets in the deciding rubber to put Argentina into the Davis Cup semi-finals at the expense of Russia.

Nalbandian overcame world No. 14 Youzhny 7-6(5) 6-4 6-3 to end Russia's impressive home streak that extends back to December 1995. World No. 153 Nalbandian, who is on the comeback trail from hip surgery, extended his impressive record to 20 wins from 24 Davis Cup singles rubbers.

Earlier in the day Nikolay Davydenko had ensured the tie went to a fifth rubber after coming from behind to beat Eduardo Schwank 4-6 6-3 6-1 6-4.

Argentina, who reached the final two years ago, will meet France in the semi-finals after Guy Forget's team recorded an historic whitewash over defending champions Spain.

France had not beaten Spain since 1923, but Julien Benneteau beat Feliciano Lopez 7-6(3) 6-4 to seal a 5-0 victory in Clermont-Ferrand.

Novak Djokovic maintained his perfect Davis Cup record to inspire Serbia to victory over Croatia and their place in the semi-finals for the first time.

The world No. 2 beat Marin Cilic of Croatia 6-3 6-3 6-2 to give Serbia an unassailable 3-1 lead at the Spaladium Arena in Split, and Janko Tipsarevic put the icing on the cake with a 6-2 7-6(5) victory over Antonio Veic.

Serbia will go head-to-head with Czech Republic for a place in the final after they enjoyed a 4-1 victory over Chile.

The Czechs had already booked their place in September's semi-finals after Jan Hajek and Lukas Dlouhy won their doubles match to go 3-0 ahead on Saturday, but Ivo Minar sealed a 4-1 victory with a 7-6(2) 6-2 win over Davis Cup debutant Cristobel Saavedra-Corvalan after Jorge Aguilar had avoided a whitewash with victory over Lukas Dlouhy.

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