Safin wins Davis Cup for Russia

Monday, January 1, 2007 -- Admitting he was downright scared, Marat Safin composed himself and won the Davis Cup title for Russia.

The two-time Grand Slam champion had 16 aces in beating Jose Acasuso 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5) on Sunday in the fifth and deciding match, giving Russia a 3-2 decision over Argentina for its second Davis Cup crown.

"There were some very difficult moments today," Safin said. "It was tough to control the match. Everything worked out."

Safin lost his opening singles match Friday, blaming the indoor carpet at Olympic Stadium. But neither the surface nor lingering knee injuries stopped him this time.

"This is probably the most important win in the last two years," Safin said.