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  • USA - France: Blake vs Mathieu

    4/11/08 1:22 PM | David Cox
    - It’s a must-win rubber for France, with Roddick the huge favourite against Llodra and the Bryans in action on day 2, Mathieu must beat Blake to give his side any chance

    Last time they played (in the New Haven semis last August), there was little to choose between the players, Blake eventually sneaking it 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(2)

    The form-book suggests it should be another close one. Mathieu has been consistent this year, beating Cilic and Moya on the way to the Miami last 16, losing to his nemesis Rafael Nadal 6-4, 6-4. Blake maintained his place inside the top 10 with quarter-finals in both masters series, losing both times to Nadal in 3 sets. In Miami he just blew Gasquet away 6-4, 6-2 and that could have influenced Guy Forget’s thinking when he decided that it was better not to risk the French no 1’s hand blisters and rest him for Sunday’s reverse singles

    The super-quick surface chosen by the Americans will probably suit Blake more. Both players have big forehands but Mathieu’s best surface is clay and he likes plenty of time to run round his backhand and take big swings. This won’t be possible on the skiddy indoor acrylic court and so Mathieu will need to adapt his game, something he’s been unable to do with great success in the past on similar low bouncing surfaces like grass and indoor carpet.
    “This court is kind of like what grass court tennis used to be 10, 15 years ago,” U.S. captain Patrick McEnroe said. “This is the way grass court tennis used to be - very quick and very low. (Andy Roddick) didn't like that. ”
    McEnroe was glad to see Richard Gasquet not competing on day 1 “Gasquet's a great talent,“ McEnroe said. ”He's flashy and he's got a lot of game. ... Clearly, he's got tremendous talent.“

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