Nalbandian gives Argentina 1-0 lead against Sweden

BUENOS AIRES, April 11 (Xinhua) -- World No. 7 tennis player David Nalbandian defeated Swedish player Thomas Johansson 3-1, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead against Sweden in the Davis Cup.

Nalbandian beat Johansson 6-2, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 in two hours and 54 minutes at Buenos Aires' Parque Roca clay court.

"I am very happy I won. It is always important to start the series with a 1-0 lead," said Nalbandian after the victory and wished that his countryman Jose Acasuso will defeat Robin Soderling in the second encounter.

Nalbandian said he hoped that Russia could defeat the Czech Republic, after they leveled 1-1, since if Russia wins, Argentine fans could enjoy another series as hosts.