Nalbandian defeated Igor Andreev 7-6 (5), 6-2 and 6-4 Friday. Juan Martin del Potro plays Nikolay Davydenko in the second singles of the best-of-five format.
Argentina hasn't lost at home in 10 years, winning 12 straight series, but has never won the Davis Cup. Russia beat Argentina in the Davis Cup final in 2006.
The winner of this series will play for the title against Spain or the defending champion United States.
WC Debate: Who Are The Greatest-Ever World Cup Nation?
Nadal beats Querrey, Spain leads U.S. 1-0
