DAVIS CUP - RUSSIA vs FRANCE

December 1, 2002

Sebastien Grosjean

MODERATOR: Questions for Sebastien.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: It's true that in the third set I had many opportunities. But even in the third set, he played at a very high level. I was able to maintain the lead. I really wanted to win this third set to see what he was going to do in the fourth set, but I believe he played a very great match.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: Yes, maybe. He was impressive with everything: service, returns, from the baseline, he was hitting off both sides. When he plays like that, he's very difficult to beat.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: Yes, maybe. But in difficult moments, he served very well, he played very well. When he's in this state of mind, he's able to beat anybody. I remember his match against Hewitt in Bercy. He's very difficult to destabilize in those cases.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: To mix it up a lot, to not give him any rhythm because then he becomes very powerful. I tried it today, but I was in a difficult position on my serve. Every time I had the opportunity, I took my chances. In the third set, it just was one point away from a fourth set.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: No, not really. Against Philippoussis, it was really mentally I missed completely my match. Today, although I lost in three straight sets, I played a solid match. He was hitting hard from both sides. With this power, it's difficult to counterattack.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: I believe I should have hit my forehand a bit harder. It was difficult, because he played a lot to my backhand also. Maybe I should have had a better percentage of first serves. I might have won free points which would have helped me in the end.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: No, I think at the end of the match he started thinking about what he was doing. I was accelerating on my side. In the end of the match, I was not far away compared to his level.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: The turning points? I think last year, I was playing very well. Mentally I was not as good. In the end of the season, I became better. I think I missed a little bit in the final. But each victory was an asset for me. I was fighting all the time, so this gave me a good dynamic for Davis Cup.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: I don't know. But I think in front of 15,000 people today, encouraging me on each point, I think I'm starting to love this competition.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: He always told me not to give up, to continue fighting. I was really not far from bringing him to a fourth set. I don't think I have to be ashamed of this loss. I think he was very impressive.

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN: No. On my serve, I tried to serve and volley. I don't even remember. The other were on his serve. No, I don't think I have anything to criticize about myself. I played those points perfectly well, but I couldn't do anything.