In 2003 Nikolay was invited into the Russian Davis Cup team and since then has become the key player filling the gap as No. 1 player in Russia after Kafelnikov has resigned.
2003 – The No. 2 Russian (behind No. 41 Kafelnikov) captured two ATP titles and finished in Top 50 for first time
2004 – The No. 3 Russian finished in Top 30 for first time and captured two ATP titles for second straight year
2005 - The No. 1 Russian for first time in his career finished with a year-end best No. 5 ranking... Captured one ATP title and advanced to seven other SF, including his first in a Grand Slam at Roland Garros and Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai.
