http://championships.wimbledon.org/
Clement Claims Victory

Henry Wancke

Friday, June 28, 2002

Arnaud Clement collected some memorable scalps when he
reached the final of the Australian Open last year,
namely Greg Rusedski, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Roger Federer
and his own compatriot Sebastien Grosjean.

Whether he ranks his wins as high as Olivier Rochus'
giant-killing dismissal of the second seed Marat Safin
two days ago, is not known but he wasn't prepared to
allow Rochus time to settle into any rhythm which might
allow him a chance of emulating his run. He rattled off
a series of winners to claim the first set in 14 minutes
and secured and went on to secure a fourth round place
with a 6-0,7-5,6-2 victory.

Playing aggressively and mixing his tactics while waiting
for chances to advance, he kept Rochus on the back foot
for much of the time though the diminutive Belgian was
always keen to counter attack when the opportunities arose
and a target presented itself.

At 15-all in the 12th game, Clement pulled up and called
for the trainer for muscle treatment to his right thigh,
and, on resumption, won the next three points to break and
pocket the second set.

Both the Frenchman and the net required attention in the
third. Clement's thigh received more massage treatment
during a break in play, while the centre net strapping
was fixed.

Clement, playing without his trademark glasses, regained
control of the match with some forceful play but a terrier
like Rochus wouldn't capitulate until the fourth match
point when a crosscourt pass caught him out. Diving to
reply, he netted his return.

Clement faces Nicolas Lapentti in the fourth round, the
Ecuadorian having become, at 22, the highest seed in the
bottom half of the draw which also includes Britain's Greg
Rusedski.