Argentina takes 2-1 lead over Australia
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-07-16 17:22

David Nalbandian completed a four-set win over Wayne Arthurs on Saturday, then teamed with Mariano Puerta for a doubles victory that gave Argentina a 2-1 lead over Australia in their Davis Cup quarterfinal.

Argentina's David Nalbandian right and doubles partner Mariano Puerta celebrates winning the third rubber match against Australia's Wayne Arthurs and Lleyton Hewett during their Davis Cup tie match in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, July 16, 2005. Nalbandian and Puerta won the match 7-6, 6-4, 6-3. [AP]

Australia took a 1-0 lead Friday on Lleyton Hewitt's four-set win over Guillermo Coria. Nalbandian returned Saturday morning to conclude his suspended match with Arthurs, needing just 28 minutes to complete a 6-3, 7-6 (8), 5-7, 6-2 win.

An hour later, Nalbandian returned with Puerta to the temporary grass court at the Sydney International Tennis Centre and beat Arthurs and Hewitt 7-6 (6), 6-4, 6-3.

Although both doubles teams were paired together for the first time, it was the Argentinians who looked more comfortable. Puerta, a doubles specialist, lost only three points on his serve Saturday.

The Australians, meanwhile, let five or six shots go between them in the middle of the court, unsure of which player should take the ball.

Australia must win both reverse singles matches Sunday: Hewitt will play Nalbandian in a replay of the 2002 Wimbledon final won by the Australian, and Arthurs takes on Coria.

"We just need to win one match, I don't mind if it's me or Guillermo," Nalbandian said.

The Australia-Argentina winner will play a September semifinal on the road against either the Netherlands or Slovakia.

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