France stuns Spain
Date published :
09 Jul 2010 - 10:40:19
France stuns SpainMichael Llodra and Gael Monfils caused huge upsets on the opening day of their Davis Cup by BNP Paribas quarterfinal to lead defending champion Spain 2-0.Michael Llodra defeated world No. 10 Fernando Verdasco 67(5) 64 63 76(2) to cement the host nation's lead at the end of day 1.French No. 1 Gael Monfils staved off an incredible fightback from Spain's David Ferrer to win the opening rubber in Clermont-Ferrand 76 62 46 57 64 and give France the 1-0 advantage. Both Monfils and Ferrer have impressive five-set records and although early on the Frenchman looked the more tired of the two, he made the most of the courtside support and 6,000 fans inside the Grande Halle d'Auvergne to end Ferrer's eight-match winning streak in Davis Cup and improve his career five-set record to 6-2. Monfils credited his captain Guy Forget after the match, who kept Monfils mentally in the game by consistently telling the 23-year-old to play "like a boxer".It is an encouraging start to France's campaign to defeat Spain for the first time in Davis Cup since 1923. > Related links> DavisCup.tv> Twitter> Tie information> Audio interviews> Scorecards & stats> Spain looks to World Cup for inspiration> Monfils looks forward to Spanish challenge> Knee problem causes Nadal absenceRelated websites> Info en francais - FFT> Informacin espa- RFET Related Audio Interview with Gael Monfils (FRA) - Friday Interview with David Ferrer (ESP) - Friday If you cannot hear the audio, then please update your media player by following one of the links above.
