http://www.daviscup.com/news/newsarticle.asp?id=12716
05 Feb 2004 - Les Arenes, Metz, FRA - Neven Berticevic
Forget Goes for Ascione Instead of Escude
The draw for the France v Croatia tie, to take place in Metz, has been made
and is as follows:
Arnaud CLEMENT (FRA) v Mario ANCIC (CRO)
Thierry ASCIONE (FRA) v Ivan LJUBICIC (CRO)
Nicolas ESCUDE/Michael LLODRA (FRA) v Mario ANCIC/Ivan LJUBICIC (CRO)
Arnaud CLEMENT (FRA) v Ivan LJUBICIC (CRO)
Thierry ASCIONE (FRA) v Mario ANCIC (CRO)
For some it was a surprise, but for those at the stadium during practice, not
really. Nicolas Escude was expected to start in singles alongside Arnaud
Clement, instead Guy Forget chose to give Thierry Ascione his first Davis
Cup moment.
City hall in Metz was the site for the draw ceremony for the first round
Davis cup World group tie France - Croatia. France captain had some turbulent
times with the injury od Frenh no1 Sebastien Grosjean, and a tough decision
whether to omit more experienced, and a better player in Nicolas Escude,
but Forget was convinced it was time for Ascione.
"His attitude is great, he practised great, watching him in Melbourne, I
felt it was the right time. So, for me, this seems like a logical decision".
Even though Escude won in Doha, coming out on Tour well since injury took
almost half of last season from him, Forget opted for Ascione. Surface may
have been one of the reasons, and Escude is set to play doubles with Michal
Llodra: it's not easy to play three days of best of five matches. Anyway,
the man who was chosen to replace Grosjean gets to play the singles.
"I worked hard, I am ready to give 100%. I'm surprised. As the week
progressed I felt I had a chance, certanly I felt that I was on the right
track".
Escude did not pracitse on wednesday, Escude most probably knew on Wednesday
Forget's choice, but he brushed aside sugestions of ill feeling. 難怪沒照片
"I just neeeded a day off. That'a all. Today I'm back and ready to roll".
Arnaud Clement will take on Mario Ancic first, to be folllowed by Ascione -
Ljubicic. Clement is, as he said, super confident.
"I just feel better and better since going down under. Form was not great
at the start of the season, but today I feel perfect. I'm super confident
for my match, and the team."
The Croatians got their wish. Even though it's not really important who plays
first or second, but who gets the points.
"Ljubicic wanted to play second, Ancic wanted to go on first. My wish? I
would like to have a 2:0 lead on Friday."
Nikki Pilic has seen it all, 43 years in Davis Cup as a player and captain.
"Two weeks ago I would have said; almost impossible. But, now since France
is without Grosjean and Fabrice Santoro, now our chances look better. Much
better. But it's not on paper, it's what you bring on court. If Mario can
serve well, and stay out of Clement's forehand, he's in with a chance, a
very good chance."
Ljubicic had some minor injury problems (shoulder), all Croatians seem to
have shoulder problems, but he is good and ready to go.
"Ascione is a very good player, no real weaknesses, the only one on both
teams without pressure. No-one is expecting him to win, so it was a good
choice by Forget. The shoulder is OK, I had enough time to take care of
the shoulder. But, just how good I'l have to wait and see on Friday. Ask
me after the Ascione match."
Mario Ancic, for some the rising star that took his time to rise, is living
what he hopes to be "the best tennis season, I expect to reach the top 30 by
the end." Mario likes Ascione, "he does everything well", respects Clement,
but likes his chances.
"I think I can win".
For the doubles (Saturday), Forget has nominated Escude and Llodra, Pilic
will stick with his singles boys, unless either Ljubicic or Ancic is in need
of a rest. On sunday Clement takes on Ljubicic, the tie will conclude with
Ascione and Ancic. And many, including the big French journalist names,
thinkit could be the decider. Fifth rubber, Ascione or Ancic. It would be
a great end since France and Croatia have never met in Davis Cup competition.
--
Nico不要偷生氣嘛XD 紅土上還是認了吧:p
檸檬和Ascione單打加油喔～
Ascione第一次打就肩負這種沈重使命，要好好把握成為DC英雄的機會呀:)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^唉，讓人想起命苦的Paulo...
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★ 你要支持Escude到什麼時候？
To : 廢話！當然是到死為止！
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※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc)
◆ From: 61.70.206.23
※ 編輯: Escude 來自: 61.70.206.23 (02/06 01:41)