BRATISLAVA, Slovakia -- Russia might be heavy favorites over Slovakia in their World Group Davis Cup first round tie this weekend, but don't tell that to Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Marat Safin.

	Yevgeny Kafelnikov thinks that Russia's chances to defeat Slovakia in the opening round are about 50-50.

Russia's top two players must overcome in-form Dominik Hrbaty, who thrashed Safin in straight sets at the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and is 8-0 against former world number one Kafelnikov on the ATP tour.

Adding to their woes is the fact that Hrbaty is looking for payback from two years ago when Russia beat Slovakia 3-2 to reach the Davis Cup semifinals.

"Since we lost in Russia, it's (revenge) the only dream I've had until this moment," Hrbaty said.

"The first day will be very important this time. The whole result will depend on it.

"With both teams it can be both ways, 2-0 or 0-2, but as I see the draw...I think we've got a better chance to start the tie with a 2-0 lead, and then we'll have to fight for one more point."

Then the Russians face the dangerous Karol Kucera, who saw his former top 10 ranking slip away last year due to injury, but has showed signs of returning to the upper echelon this year.

"Predictions on paper may point to us as being the favorites, but the Slovaks have home court advantage. I expect a very difficult match. I see our chances at 50-50," said Kafelnikov, who in sixth place sits one spot behind Hrbaty in the ATP Tour Champions race.

"There are no guarantees that Russia will continue to the next round. I think that this is one of the most even matches in the first round world group," added Russia's number two.

Russia's Davis Cup captain Shamil Tarpishchev said:"Theirs is probably the worst combination for us. Kafelnikov has an 0-8 record against Hrbaty in ATP tournaments and has only one career win against him, which came in the Davis Cup.

"Safin is 4-4 against Hrbaty, but lost his last match to him.

Since Russia's 1999 triumph over the Slovaks, Safin has shone, winning the U.S. Open and rising to the No. 1 position before closing out 2000 second in the rankings. But his Davis Cup performances have been somewhat lackluster.

After besting Hrbaty and Kucera, he lost both of his singles matches in Russia's semifinal tie against Australia in September 1999 and then again against Spain last April.

Kafelnikov has fared no better, also losing all four Davis Cup matches against Spain and Australia, but he said that his record against Hrbaty on the ATP tour would not stand in the way of a Russian victory.

"I feel like I'm in good shape. The court suits me, and I'm looking forward to the match," Kafelnikov said.

Kucera has led Slovakia to the Davis Cup quarterfinals in the past two years. He beat Kafelnikov, but lost in four sets to Safin in their last match.

The winner of the tie will face either Sweden or the Czech Republic.