ROUEN, FRANCE: Arnault Celement was delighted with the days efforts from Richard Gasquet and Jo-Wilfired Tsonga as his reign as Davis Cup captain began with a confident display in front of a home crowd in Rouen in what he described as "a great day"
World No. 8 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga dropped a set to Israel's Amir Weintraub in the first rubber of France's opening tie with Israel but overall was happy with his performance. The French No. 1 ran out a 63 63 46 75 winner on what he says is a very fast surface. He found it tough to keep the game under control "it was a really good opener" he said.
Weintraub was a bit disappointed with the last game of the match, he felt he had a good chance to force a tiebreak but he complimented Tsonga on being a great great player.
The Israel said "his first service is a joke, I couldn't do much against that" of Tsonga. Overall he was pleased to take a set from the World No. 8 as he is ranked No. 173.
Gasquet was happy with his victory later in the day and in particular his distinctive backhand which could provide an interesting battle should he meet Weintraub in a live rubber on Sunday.
Captain Arnault Clement (FRA) - 01/02/2013
Richard Gasquet (FRA) - 01/02/2013
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) - 01/02/2013
Captain Eyal Ran (ISR) - 01/02/2013
Dudi Sela (ISR) - 01/02/2013
Amir Weintraub (ISR) - 01/02/2013