ARTICLE A French win in Spain? C'est Possible, says Henri
As France prepare to undertake their ‘Mission Impossible’ against Spain in Alicante for a place in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas final, they should perhaps first consult Henri Leconte.
Leconte was responsible for one of the most remarkable moments in Davis Cup history when, just three months after being in a wheelchair, he defeated Pete Sampras in straight sets to win the second rubber of the 1991 final. France went on to record a sensational victory and lift the Cup.
“Davis Cup is crazy, totally crazy!” confirms Leconte, who wondered if he would ever play again after his career-threatening back injury.
“It is completely different from any other tournament because you play for your country. It’s a different mentality. For us it is the only time that we can be all together and have a team. That’s why Davis Cup is so different and you have sometimes some big surprises with the top guys losing to players who are 200 in the world - because they can often play out of their mind. That’s what I love about it.”
Spain won the competition in 2000 playing exclusively in their home-country on their favourite clay court surface. This year they defeated the Czech Republic 3-2 away, and then the Netherlands 4-1 at home.
With Carlos Moya, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Rafael Nadal and Tommy Robredo all at their disposal, they will take some beating. Even Leconte agrees.
“I think the chances are 60% for Spain and 40% for France,” he said. “The problem we have at the moment is that we don’t have a real number one player. We have Arnaud Clement, but against Spain, on clay in September, it’s tough. The only point we are sure to win is the doubles. The rest will be very, very difficult, so if we don’t have Grosjean, then it is even worse. I think Fabrice Santoro would find it hard to play five sets twice. Against those guys in Spain, where it’s hot, it will be difficult.”
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As France prepare to undertake their ‘Mission Impossible’ against Spain in Alicante for a place in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas final, they should perhaps first consult Henri Leconte.
Leconte was responsible for one of the most remarkable moments in Davis Cup history when, just three months after being in a wheelchair, he defeated Pete Sampras in straight sets to win the second rubber of the 1991 final. France went on to record a sensational victory and lift the Cup.
“Davis Cup is crazy, totally crazy!” confirms Leconte, who wondered if he would ever play again after his career-threatening back injury.
“It is completely different from any other tournament because you play for your country. It’s a different mentality. For us it is the only time that we can be all together and have a team. That’s why Davis Cup is so different and you have sometimes some big surprises with the top guys losing to players who are 200 in the world - because they can often play out of their mind. That’s what I love about it.”
Spain won the competition in 2000 playing exclusively in their home-country on their favourite clay court surface. This year they defeated the Czech Republic 3-2 away, and then the Netherlands 4-1 at home.
With Carlos Moya, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Rafael Nadal and Tommy Robredo all at their disposal, they will take some beating. Even Leconte agrees.
“I think the chances are 60% for Spain and 40% for France,” he said. “The problem we have at the moment is that we don’t have a real number one player. We have Arnaud Clement, but against Spain, on clay in September, it’s tough. The only point we are sure to win is the doubles. The rest will be very, very difficult, so if we don’t have Grosjean, then it is even worse. I think Fabrice Santoro would find it hard to play five sets twice. Against those guys in Spain, where it’s hot, it will be difficult.”
[...]
>> full article
