Russia join U.S., Argentina, Spain in Davis Cup semifinals

LONDON, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Russia came out the last qualifiers into the Davis Cup semifinals to join the defending champion United States, Argentina and Spain, after winning 3-2 over the Czechs on Sunday.

In a decisive match in Moscow, Russia had been granted an unbeatable 3-1 lead as the Czech Republic's Novak Djokovic pulled out on a twisted right ankle while leading 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (5), 3-6,2-1 against Nikolay Davydenko.

Lukas Dlouhy then beat the hosts' Marat Safin 6-3, 6-3 in the meaningless final singles match to make the overall score 3-2.

At the west America, Andy Roddick lost only 13 points on serve and beat Paul-Henri Mathieu 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 to lead the Americans to a 4-1 victory over France.

In Buenos Aires, David Nalbandian outlasted Robin Soderling to win a hard fought clay match 6-4, 1-6, 4-6, 6-4, 9-7 to give Argentina an invincible 3-1 lead over Sweden.

Juan Monaco defeated Sweden's Thomas Johansson, 6-3, 6-3 to complete Argentina's 4-1 victory.

Fernando Verdasco gave Spain a final win in its 4-1 victory over Germany, beating Michael Berrer 2-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4.

The semifinals will pit the United States against Spain and Russia to face Argentina in September.