Israel takes 2-0 lead over Russia in Davis Cup quarterfinals

Israel leads Russia in Davis Cup quarters

TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel has taken a surprising 2-0 lead over Russia in the Davis Cup quarterfinals after Dudi Sela rallied to beat Mikhai Youzhny in the second singles match.

Sela won 3-6, 6-1, 6-0, 7-5 on Friday after Harel Levy beat Igor Andreev 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, putting Israel one win away from its first semifinal appearance.

Israel can wrap up the best-of-five series in Saturday’s doubles match when Andy Ram and Yoni Erlich take on Marat Safin and Igor Kunitsyn.

Russia has won the Davis Cup twice — in 2002 and 2007 — and made it to the semifinals in each of the past five years.

Israel has only reached the quarterfinals once before, losing to India in New Delhi in 1987.