 Photographer: Antoine Couvercelle
Date: 08 Feb 2008 |  Photographer: Antoine Couvercelle
Date: 08 Feb 2008 |  Photographer: Antoine Couvercelle
Date: 08 Feb 2008 |  Photographer: Antoine Couvercelle
Date: 09 Feb 2008 |  Photographer: Antoine Couvercelle
Date: 09 Feb 2008 |  Photographer: Antoine Couvercelle
Date: 09 Feb 2008 |
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| 10 Feb 2008 - Sala Transilvania, Sibiu - Georges Homsi - ROU v FRA | |
| French spirits sky high |
For the second straight year, the France Davis Cup team led by captain Guy Forget dominated Romania in its opening tie. And for the second consecutive year, it will travel to face the defending champion in the quarterfinals.
In 2007 it was Russia, which proved too good for Forget’s boys. This year, they will travel to USA with higher hopes to continue the adventure.
Succesful debut for Tsonga
No doubt that the 2008 French team is superior to what it was a year ago. The integration of its new sensation Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has given it a new dimension, and hopes of a campaign which could prove glorious. Ten days after his final at the Australian Open, Tsonga made a successful career debut in Davis Cup, defeating Andrei Pavel in a thrilling four setter. “Jo has lived up to the occasion. He displayed some dominating tennis, while remaining serene and in control ” said Forget.
Revenge for Clement, Llodra
Against Romania last year, on home soil, in Clermont-Ferrand, the 2001 champion suffered an unexpected doubles defeat, before bouncing back on the third day. This time, it is through to the quarterfinals with a day to spare thanks to Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra taking a breathtaking five-set revenge over the same team of Florin Mergea and Horia Tecau.
“Last year we played at home and we had a harder time. It really looks like we are stronger now. Still, against the United States, we will need to play even better tennis if we want to beat Blake, Roddick and the Bryan brothers,” added Forget.
“They are the best team in the world, but at the moment France has a really good team also, and we have a real chance to beat them,” admitted Clément.
"USA, a magnificient challenge" - Forget
“We will not be the favourites, and therefore we will have the advantage of playing without pressure. It’s motivating, especially that I know that the Americans will fear us. Richard (Gasquet) has already beaten Roddick and Blake, and along his side, we defeated the Bryan brothers earlier this year. They know we have two top twenty players and a top doubles team and that we can play very high quality tennis,” said Tsonga.
“I have no doubt that the occasion will be huge, against the best team in the world, in front of a fully packed stadium. The challenge is however magnificent,” said Forget. “But we have very talented players whom I hope will be at the peak of their game just after Key Biscayne. They will need to make three exceptional matches for us to prevail, because Blake, Roddick and the Bryan brothers are a better team on paper, and moreover, they will be playing at home. The task promises to be very tough, but once again, it’s very exciting and I really look forward to being there.”
Related Links on other websites
> Infos en francais - FFT
> Information in Romanian - FRT
Related Links on Daviscup.com
> Tie Information
> Scorecards and stats from this tie
> Dramatic doubles win seals French triumph
> Brave Pavel bows to Tsonga's power
> Gasquet sets example for France
> France the favourite in Sibiu
Related Audio
 Interview with Arnaud Clement (FRA) - day 3
Interview with Richard Gasquet (FRA) - day 3
 
If you cannot hear the audio, then please update your media player by following one of the links above.
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