Luzhniki Sports Palace will play host to one of the tennis world's hottest tournaments this weekend, as top-ranked Russian tennis stars face off against their upstart Argentinian rivals. Russia's key players Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin will head their team in the semifinals against a young group of Argentinians, who have proven to be remarkable foes in this year's Davis Cup.

This could be Russia's chance to win its first ever Davis Cup, after competing in the tournament since 1962. The home team is expected to win on the hard court at the 13,000-seat Luzhniki stadium, but the Argentinians have been strong opponents in their comeback year, after a nine-year absence from the tournament. Russian captain Shamil Tarpischev chose the hard surface because he felt the South Americans would be too dangerous on clay.

Guillermo Canas from Buenos Aires will head up his team. The player shocked audiences a few weeks ago by defeating both Safin and Kafelnikov at the Tennis Masters in Toronto, especially since he missed much of the 2000 season with an injured wrist. His teammate David Nalbandian has put in a strong performance this year and, since his Davis Cup quarterfinals match, reached the Wimbledon finals.

Safin will have to work hard to keep his legendary temper under control if he wants to play well against either of his South American opponents. His Sochi-born teammate will also have to work hard, but is probably enjoying a boost of confidence after winning the President's Cup in Uzbekistan on Saturday, despite an injured finger.

The winning team will go on to face either France or the United States in the final. At press time, the start time for the event was 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 and 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22. If all the tennis action puts you in the mood to play, you can check out one of the courts listed below for a couple of matches against your friends.

Tennis

Luzhniki
These are considered some of the best tennis courts in Russia and the staff is downright helpful, too. One game costs 1,400 rubles, but if you sign up for membership then the prices are cheaper. However, you'll have to negotiate that with the club. They also have instructors, but once again, prices are negotiated on an individual basis. They have six indoor and four outdoor courts. Working hours are from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Dynamo-Center
Tennis downtown! An up-market venue conveniently located in the center of the city. They have six outdoor and three indoor hard courts. If you would like lessons, an instructor will cost you $20, plus the cost of renting the court per hour: 550 rubles an hour for indoor courts, 250 rubles an hour outdoors. If you just want to play one game, it will cost 700 rubles an hour. Outdoor courts are open from 7 a.m. to sundown. Indoor courts are open until 9 p.m.

Atlant
A recently re-modeled indoor hard-court awaits you at Atlant. One hour costs 850 rubles, plus there's an additional 850 rubles an hour charge if you want an instructor to work with you. Call ahead to make a reservation.

Locations

Luzhniki
24 Luzhnetskya Nab.
Tel: 201-1551
Metro: Sportivnaya

Dynamo-Center
26 Petrovka Ul.
Tel: 200-5836
Metro: Chekhovskaya, Pushkinskaya or Teatralnaya.

Atlant
28 Talalikhina Ul.
Metro: Volgogradsky Pr.
Tel: 277-0211

Luzhniki Stadium
24 Luzhnetskaya Nab.
Metro: Sportivnaya
Tel: 201-1164

Dynamo Stadium
36 Leningradsky Pr.
Metro: Dynamo
Tel: 213-7781

Severnoye- Chertanovo Sports Complex
10a Dnepropetrovskaya Ul.
Metro: Chertanovskaya
Tel: 311-5322

CSKA Sports Complex
39a Leningradsky Pr.
Metro: Aeroport
Tel: 213-7163