The Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia - Todd Martin was a long way from the New Hampshire primary.

The 33-year-old American had just lost a third-round five-setter to Marat Safin on Friday at the Australian Open when he was asked about a possible political career.

He was commended for his intelligence and eloquence, and it was suggested he might have had a shot for the Democratic presidential nomination if he had made his move earlier.

"If I were a Democrat," Martin said to much laughter. "I've got a couple of years to wait. In the States we need to be 35 to be president ... so maybe 2008. Watch out."

Martin said he's not looking to retire.

"I'm not at all anxious about what comes after tennis," Martin said. "But I've got plenty of options, ranging from staying real involved in the sport, preferably in development, to being Mr. Mom and letting my wife pursue her career."

Martin and wife Amy, an event planner, have a 1-year-old son, Jackson Dale.

DAVIS CUP: Robby Ginepri, James Blake and Taylor Dent have given Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe something pleasant to consider. All three made it to at least the third round of the Australian Open, which ends five days before the U.S. team opens Davis Cup play against Austria in Connecticut.

With top-ranked Andy Roddick set for singles and twins Bob and Mike Bryan the world's No. 1 doubles team, the No. 2 singles spot remains open.

Mardy Fish, who lost in the first round, also is in the mix. Last year, he had the clinching Davis Cup victory against the Czech Republic.

McEnroe expects to make his decision next week.

"We want to make his job tough," Blake said.

DAVENPORT LEERY: Lindsay Davenport has won three Grand Slam singles titles, and she knows she must play a lot better if a fourth is to come at this Australian Open. She beat Laura Granville 6-4, 6-0 Friday, coming from 4-1 down in the first set to advance to the fourth round.

"I haven't won a Slam in four years," she said. "I'm going to have to do something I haven't done in the last year or two, to be able to be in the top two or three contenders."

After winning the Australian Open in 2000, Davenport lost in the finals at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Often injured, she has not made a Grand Slam final since.

"I've got to make some big wins now if I want to expect to get back to that position," she said.

PAES RETURNS: India's Leander Paes took another step in his comeback from a nonmalignant brain lesion that sidelined him for five months. He and Martina Navratilova won mixed doubles Friday, beating Chris Haggard and Emilie Loit 6-3, 7-6 (3) in the first round.

Navratilova captured a record-tying 20th Wimbledon title last year by winning the mixed doubles with Paes. The pair also won the Australian title last year.

Paes first noticed symptoms, such as dizziness, during the mixed doubles quarterfinal at Wimbledon.

"I actually came up to hit a smash, and when I landed on the ground, something must have shaken inside my brain, because I lost all sight," Paes said. "I lost all control of my balance and I was falling down."

Friday, he thanked Navratilova for helping him with his recovery.

"The last six months have been a trying time, and she's been such an inspiration to me," Paes told the center-court crowd.

SANTORO FINED: Fabrice Santoro was fined $1,500 on Friday for spitting in the direction of an on-court official during his second-round loss to Mark Philippoussis. He was cited for unsportsmanike conduct by The International Tennis Federation for his actions after a disputed line call Thursday.

After four days, $9,250 in fines were dealt to male players. Leading the list is Xavier Malisse, who has been fined $1,000 three times for unsportsmanlike conduct.