Russian recruit

[gugafanatic]

With Safin requiring knee surgery and Davydenko wrist not 100%, the Russians will have a tall-order against the French in the Davis Cup q-final. The players who are most likely to be called up for singles are Andreev and Youzhhny.

Neither of the above players are spectacular, soo why not give big hitting Tursunov an opportunity fresh off his impressive grass court swing. I believe Tursunov is the second most talented Russian player after Safin due to his shotmaking ability and huge serve.

Which of the Russian players would you opt for during this tie???

 

[Aykhan Mammadov]

I heard Tursunov doesn't want to play for Russia. As u know he trained in USA and he considers Russian Federation didn't help him when he needed and now he refuses any attempts to use him for the country. Maybe it is not truth but it is what I heard.

 

[gugafanatic]

I heard Tursunov doesn't want to play for Russia. As u know he trained in USA and he considers Russian Federation didn't help him when he needed and now he refuses any attempts to use him for the country. Maybe it is not truth but it is what I heard.

Yeah I also heard Tursunov considers himself more American then Russian. It would be helpful if someone could shed light on this matter.

 

[tiamat]

It is an interesting and murky story. In his Wimbledon interview after the victory ofer Henman Tursunov confirmed that he is in the process of obtaining the US citizenship. He didn't explicitly say whether he is giving up the Russian one. I can't think of any other reasons, since many russian pros reside abroad, and have no trouble travelling with a russian passport.

On the other hand, when asked about inviting Tursunov, Russian Davis cup team captain Tarpischev said something like "he can be available as long as they won't play on clay". Well, I think that will hardly happen unless Russia plays the US, the brits, or the aussies on foreign soil. Of course, Tarpischev is known for diplomatic talks and avoiding sharp edges, but I have never heard a straight-out lie from him.

As a matter of fact, the home country has contributed virtually nothing to any of the current russain pros. The exception may be the guys of the older generation, like Kafelnikov, Myskina and Dementieva, who may have enjoyed the perks of state-sponsored athletic education and coaching for kids, until the whole system collapsed together with the Soviet Union around 1991. The younger guys had to rely on their parents, or friends of parents, etc. I was amazed to read in the same interview Tursunov saying the he only has two frames and doesn't have any endorsements. So, ain't US giving him much either? That is also a point for those guys on this forum whining about not being sponsored.

Anyway, would be really nice if someone could clear up this matter.