Harel Levy beat Andreas Vinciguerra 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 3-6, 8-6 to decide the first-round series in the World Group in a nearly empty arena. Dudi Sela evened the score earlier by wearing down Thomas Johansson 3-6, 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Vinciguerra saved two match points but botched a forehand to lose his serve, costing his country a chance to play Russia in the quarterfinals. Israel advanced to the quarters once before, losing to India in 1987.
The jubilant Israeli team hoisted Levy in the air as a few dozen guests celebrated in the stands. Only about 300 invitees were allowed to watch the match because city officials said they couldn’t guarantee security at the venue. Critics, including the Israeli team, said Malmo was caving in to threats of violence from anti-Israel groups.
On Saturday, scores of rock-throwing protesters bent on stopping the match clashed with police in an attempt to storm the arena. Police apprehended nearly 100 people and arrested 10 on preliminary charges of rioting and assault. No injuries were reported.
Levy suggested the decision to close the match backfired on the Swedes, depriving them of the raucous crowdds home teams usually enjoy.
“After all, it affected them more than it affected us,” he said. “Hopefully it won’t happen again.”
In the first match, Sela became so upset when he lost the third set he cracked his racket against the indoor carpet. The burst of anger appeared to have energized the Israeli, who broke Johansson’s serve in the first game of the fourth.
Johansson, playing his second match since October following heel surgery, showed signs of fatigue. He struggled with unforced errors and lost the set when his backhand return went wide.
“I knew I had to play long points and keep him on the court as long as possible. I think it paid off,” Sela said.
Johansson admitted he lost steam in the fourth set.
“When your body stops there is not much you can do,” the 2002 Australian Open champion said. “It’s just agony to stay out there. You know that if he doesn’t break his leg there is no chance.”
Simon Aspelin and Robert Lindstedt put Sweden ahead in the doubles Saturday by defeating Andy Ram and Amir Hadad in four sets.
In the opening singles, Johansson beat Levy in five sets before Sela squared the series with a five-set victory over Vinciguerra.
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