The Russian roulette

Russian coach Shamil Tarpishev was impressed with Youzhny's solid play this season. Last month, he reached the final at the St. Petersburg Open and earlier this year captured his first ATP title at the Stuttgart Outdoors.

After losing the first two sets, Youzhny --- a ballboy the last time his country appeared in a final in 1995 --- recovered his poise and gave a scintillating display that justified his selection ahead of veteran Kafelnikov. Firing winners at will off his back-hand, the Russian fought back against Mathieu and the crowd. He claimed the third set 6-3.

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