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| | Monday, 3 June, 2002, 14:38 GMT 15:38 UK Agassi back from the brink Agassi's experience told the difference in the end Andre Agassi avoided one of the biggest upsets in French Open history, coming back from two sets down and a break down in the fifth to defeat French wild card Paul-Henri Mathieu 4-6 3-6 6-3 6-3 6-3. The 1999 champion booked a quarter-final meeting with 11th seed Juan Carlos Ferrero, who defeated Argentine Gaston Gaudio in another five-set thriller, 6-7 (3-7) 6-1 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-4.
Agassi and Ferrero were joined in the last eight by 10th seed Sebastien Grosjean, who easily beat Belgian Xavier Malisse 6-2 7-5 6-3. Frenchman Grosjean will now meet second seed Marat Safin for a place in the semi-finals. The Russian recovered from losing the first set against French wild-card Arnaud Di Pasquale to win 3-6 6-4 6-3 6-2. Agassi, the favourite for the title, was expected to be given little more than a work-out by Mathieu, ranked 107th in the world. But the Frenchman played scintillating tennis for two-and-a-half sets to leave the former champion reeling. And despite losing the next two sets Mathieu lifted himself again for a final effort.
The 20-year-old, who had won just five matches on the main tour before this event, broke at 1-1 in the deciding set and had a point to go 4-1 up. But Agassi survived and Mathieu's resolve was finally broken when Agassi levelled the set at the next opportunity, before winning the remaining three games to prevail. Mathieu received a deserved standing ovation as he left the court after a performance which defied his lowly ranking. "I am disappointed but what I've done is fantastic," said Mathieu, who defeated Wayne Ferreira, Fabrice Santoro and Jiri Novak to reach the fourth round. "I had my chance in the fifth set and I think I could have won if I had believed in it more.
"I lacked some experience to score decisive points. I think this week has been successful for me and I hope it will boost me for my future career." Agassi paid tribute to his younger opponent, who won the French Open junior title two years ago. "The match speaks for itself. His talent is very, vey high. He made it very difficult for me to find my rhythm," said Agassi. Ferrero continued his remarkable run at Roland Garros, reaching his third consecutive quarter-final with a fine win over Gaudio. The Argentine matched Ferrero throughout but made errors at critical times which gave the Spaniard the slender advantage. Gaudio saved two match points, the second when Ferrero broke a string, but the 21-year-old finally clinched it on his serve.
"I am relieved because I don't feel at 100% of my physical potential, I am more at 80%," said Ferrero. "I am still treating my ankle and it gets better every day. I play with no pain, but it was not easy to play such a long match." "I will play against Agassi for the first time. My confidence is very high at the moment and I don't think I will be overawed by playing him on the centre court." | |
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