BRATISLAVA Yevgeny Kafelnikov hinted at retirement on Sunday -- If Russia win the Davis Cup for the first time.

The winner of French, Australian and Olympic titles said on Sunday he would consider quitting tennis if he could help to land the trophy.

He said: "Let's just hope we win it first. But the Davis Cup is important to my career. If I do accomplish this, there's not much left for me. And if I have no more desire, what's the point of playing?"

When asked if that meant he would retire if Russia won the cup, the winner of 17 ATP Tour events replied: "Probably, yes."

Kafelnikov took a step toward that goal with a stirring five-set victory over Slovakia's Karol Kucera to give Russia a 3-2 first round win.

(Reuter)