Sweden and the Netherlands took a step toward the Davis Cup semi-finals on Friday when they both won their first two singles matches over Russia and Germany.
Elsewhere in the tournament Brazil and Australia are tied at 1-1 while France have a 2-0 lead over Switzerland. Sweden's Thomas Johansson got Sweden off on the right foot in Malmo but had to graft for an eventual win against Russian Olympic champion Yevgeny Kafelnikov 6-4 1-6 7-6 (12/10) 3-6 6-2. Compatriot Magnus Norman took up where Johansson left off, making up for a hard-fought first set win against Mikhail Youzhny to eventually win 7-6 (11/9) 6-4 6-2.
Sweden now hold a 2-0 advantage over a Russian team deprived of Marat Safin, who is suffering from a back injury. The Dutch also had injury worries but despite losing Richard Krajicek (elbow) and Sjeng Schalken, who could be fit for the doubles rubber, they swept past Germany 2-0 in Den Bosch.

Jan Siemerink took early hold of his match against Nicolas Kiefer to come out 6-3 7-6 (8/6) 3-6 6-3 winner, with compatriot Raemon Sluiter outclassing David Prinosil 6-1 6-3 7-6 (7/3).
Bureau Report