World Team Tennis, February 24, 2006

Tursunov Hits Career-High No. 50

Dmitry Tursunov, the Caps' 2004 MVP and Rookie of the Year, has climbed to a career-high No. 50.


In early February, the Roseville-based Russian won both of his singles matches in Russia's 5-0 Davis Cup victory over the Netherlands in Amsterdam. He then hopped on a plane to San Jose for the SAP Open. Though jetlagged, Tursunov defeated Jonas Bjorkman 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the first round, but the No. 7 seed was upset by No. 94 Australian Wayne Arthurs 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-3 in the second round.


"It was pretty tiring. I think that was a big part; that contributed to (the loss at San Jose)," said Tursunov. "Plus it is really the first time where I'm traveling from one continent to the other and having to play within two days. So hopefully for the future I'll be able to adjust a bit better for the matches."


In the Netherlands, Tursunov outlasted Raemon Sluiter 6-7(2), 6-4, 7-6(5), 7-6(5) in the first singles match. In the second round singles, he cinched a victory against M. Van Germerden 7-6(4), 7-6(5).


"The Davis Cup trip was a lot of fun," said Tursunov. "Winning helped, but it's always fun to be part of a team -- makes you feel like you belong to something that is bigger than just yourself. That's what makes WTT so fun for the players, that team feel. It's definitely a lot of pressure playing a "live rubber" compared to a regular match at a tournament, but I feel that it's a necessary step in the right direction if you want to develop as a player."


Tursunov, who underwent back surgery almost a year ago, has experienced no complications and is pain-free.


The local Russian said he doesn't have any "concrete" goals this year.


"Although my results are more consistent this year, I definitely don't feel satisfied with it. I guess you could say I'm starting to feel a bit greedier and don't feel as satisfied with second rounds as I once used to. My main goal is to play good tennis more often and if that is going to happen, then the results will show that as well as my ranking."

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