Agassi puts US ahead

Agassi paid thanks to new US team captain John McEnroe forguiding him through a difficult third set when Black broke serve to tie it at 4-4. “He’s ideal to keep you on,” Agassi said.

Russia 1-0 up

MOSCOW: Australian Open finalist Yevgeny Kafelnikov gave Russia a 1-0 lead in their Davis Cup World Group 1st round tie against Belgium when he slugged out a 6-7, 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 win over Filip Dewulf on Friday.

Spain score

MURCIA (Spain): Clay court specialist Albert Costa earned Spain a 1-0 lead in their Davis Cup World Group 1st round tie on Friday by easing to a 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Italy’s Davide Sanguinetti.

Alex Corretja will play Andrea Gaudenzi in thesecond match of the day.

Slovakia ahead

BRATISLAVA: Slovakia took a 1-0 lead over Austria in their World Group Davis Cup first round tie today when Karol Kucera beat Markus Hipfl 6-2, 6-3, 6-3.

Germany 1-0

LEIPZIG: Tommy Haas recovered from a sluggish start to beat John Van Lottum 4-6, 7-6, 6-3, 6-2 and hand Germany a 1-0 lead over the Netherlands in their Davis Cup World Group tie on Friday.

German Rainer Schuettler will play Sjeng Schalken in the second singles.