Andrei Pavel beat world number three Andy Roddick 6-7, 2-6, 7-6, 6-2, 6-4, giving Romania a 1-0 lead over the United States in the Davis Cup World Group first-round tie on Friday, February 10.
The 32-year-old Romanian, nine years older than his American oponent, played aggressively towards the second half of the match and secured his victory.
Andy Roddick announced he would continue to play against Romania after complaining of stomach aches during the Friday match against Pavel.
American James Blake defeted Victor Hanescu in the second
singles Friday, 6-4, 7-6, 6-2, evening the score to 1-1 in the United States' Davis Cup tie with Romania.
