Moscow, July 10: Argentine David Nalbandian made a successful comeback to tennis after three months away as he beat Russian Nikolay Davydenko 6-4, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (8-6) to give his nation a 1-0 lead Friday in their Davis Cup World Group quarterfinal.
Mikhail Youzhny was trying to put the hosts back on level-pegging indoors in the capital as he faced Leonardo Mayer, playing later Friday for an Argentine side missing Juan del Potro and Juan Monaco through fitness problems
Nalbandian underwent hip surgery in spring 2009, but then had to face hamstring and abdominal muscle problems. He last played on the ATP in April at Monte Carlo.
The 28-year-old is due to play all three days of the weekend tie for Argentina, continuing with Saturday's doubles
Davydenko missed three months with a broken right wrist.
The victory give Nalbandian a third win from four meetings with the Russian on the Davis Cup stage. The win was the 30th in Davis Cup for the Argentine, sparkplug of the nation which has lost three tournament finals, including in 2006 to Russia.
Russia has not been defeated at home since losing to the United States in 1995.