Paul Henri Mathieu/Getty Images

Mathieu Serves Out Roddick

August 9, 2005 - France's Paul-Henri Mathieu pulled off a huge upset in the first round of the Rogers Cup at Jarry Park Tuesday night, defeating American Andy Roddick, defending Tennis Masters Montreal champion and third seed, 7-5, 6-3.

Winner in Washington this past Sunday, Roddick was beaten at his own game by an inspired Mathieu. The Frenchman served 14 aces compared to three by the American.

Roddick had only good things to say about Mathieu after his surprising loss.

“I thought he played great,” Roddick said. “I think he served really well tonight. You know – a lot of credit to him. He didn't let me settle in and try to find my bearings. He really took it to me so I was playing reactive instead of active.”

The American also explained his difficulty adapting to the conditions in Montreal compared to those in Washington.

“It just felt totally different out there than it did two days ago,” he said. “The court, the balls, they're all a little bit different. I just didn't adjust. It's a different ball. I just didn't feel like I was doing anything real comfortably out there.”

Mathieu doesn't rank the win as the biggest in his career, but he puts it amongst the top five. “I've already beaten Sampras and Safin, but it's definitely one of my best matches. The ball is really light and moves a lot here. You just have to adapt.”

Mathieu plays his second round match against Arnaud Clément Wednesday. Clément advanced to round two with a win over Argentine Jose Acasuso in three sets. Another all-French match-up pits Richard Gasquet against Sébastien Grosjean, who ousted Paradorn Srichaphan.

The two remaining Canadians were both eliminated on Tuesday. Frank Dancevic of Niagara Falls, Ont., fell 6-2, 6-2 to Belgium's Xavier Malisse; while Rob Steckley of Thornhill, Ont., took the first set off Dane Kenneth Carlsen before bowing out 6-4, 6-3.

One of the most accessible tournaments

The Rogers Cup presented by National Bank is more accessible than ever thanks to the Uniprix Zone, Neighbourhood Day, and Tide & Downy Family Day.

Excellent tickets are still available for all sessions on Centre Court and for the National Bank Court. Tickets start at just $10, with the final weekend starting at just $40. For more information on this tournament or to buy tickets, call (514) 273-1515 (toll free 1-866-338-2685).

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