08 Feb 2004 - Les Arenes, Metz, FRA - Neven Berticevic - FRA v CRO
France Looks Ahead to Switzerland
Nicolas Escude was just the icing on the cake. The Frenchman took care of
the Croatian giant Ivo Karlovic, all 208 cm of him, and his huge serve.
Escude won the first set tiebreak, then broke Karlovic twice in the second
to win 76(5) 62. This dead rubber victory was the 12th for Escude who has
only lost twice in Davis Cup singles for France.
It completed a 4-1 win for France against Croatia and the French advance to
the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Quarterfinals. Earlier in the day
Arnaud Clement clinched victory for France with a convincing display to win
against Croatian No.1 Ivan Ljubicic 62 46 76(3) 64.
Guy Forget could not field the best side. A groin injury to French no 1
Sebastien Grosjean at the Australian Open put him out of the tie against
and Forget opted not to call Fabrice Santoro, twice an Australian Open
doubles winner with Michael Llodra. Some thought it was too harsh, but
at the end Forget came out the winner. The only problem for Croatia was
Goran Ivanisevic, who opted not to play, as he felt he was not ready for
clay.
Another surprise out of Forget's hat was the midweek decision to give Thierry
Ascione a chance, instead of the more experienced Nicolas Escude. Suddenly,
Croatia felt they were in with a chance. Captain Nikki Pilic was optimistic,
“Yes, we feel the situation is better, much better. Without Grosjean,
France is not the same team".
Maybe so, but still good enough for a big win. Forget made a smart move not
playing Escude on the first day that saw Clement beat Mario Ancic in three
sets and Ivan Ljubicic do the same to Ascione. Forget was a big believer in
his doubles team and he was right. It was easier after Ivan Ljubicic opted
to stay out of the doubles to get ready for Clement on Sunday. That left
the door open for Escude. If Ljubicic was to beat Clement, Forget would
have a fresh Escude to play a final and deciding rubber against Ancic. He's
been there before, Escude has twice won the fifth and deciding match.
He did play, but at that point Clement had already won the tie for France.
It was not easy but more rewarding for Guy Forget.
"Arnaud was overall more solid than Ljubicic. Ivan was the stronger, Ivan
had more winners. It was really tough to watch, especially if the match went
to five sets. But Arnaud played a great tiebreak to win in four. Arnaud was
the man of the match, had he lost to Ljubicic, Escude would play the fifth
rubber".
Clement took off fast against Ljubicic winning the first four games racing
through the first set, but he lost control during the second, but that was
the last hurrah from Ljubicic. Clement won the third set tiebreak, broke in
the first game of the fourth and held to win for France. He took time to talk
about the quarterfinal tie against Switzerland.
"We are optimistic to get revenge". France lost 3-2 to Switzerland in last
year’s quarterfinals on hard court in Toulouse. Roger Federer won the third
point racing through the match against Fabrice Santoro dropping only three
games. Federer did it again this week in Bucharest, winning all three
rubbers. Clement seems confident.
"Yes, Roger Federer is the best player in the world, but we will have a
better team. Sebastien Grosjean will be back. I do feel that Sebastien,
Arnaud or me (?) can beat Roger".
Guy Forget is also confident looking ahead to Switzerland."It will be
tough, but I hope I will have Sebastien Grosjean in that match. I hope
France can win the doubles, and that Grosjean can beat a tired Roger
Federer in the first match on Sunday. But, it's still a while away".
For now France can enjoy a ride to the quarters, with a hero in Arnaud
Clement.
http://www.daviscup.com/news/matchreport.asp?id=12786
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