Sebastien Grosjean/Getty Images

Grosjean Wins All-Frenchman Clash

August 10, 2005 - Sebastien Grosjean recovered from a 5-2 deficit in the first set to defeat countryman sensation Richard Gasquet 7-6(4), 6-3 and advance to the third round of the Rogers Cup in Montreal.

The rain interrupted the match with Gasquet leading 5-3 30-40 in the first set. Grosjean immediately converted the break point to get back in the match and used the momentum to win the first set i in a tie-break.

Grosjean hit a total of 10 aces while and the first break point he had in the second set. He held on to win in 1 hour, 46 minutes of play. Grosjean will now play top seed Rafael Nadal for a spot in the quarterfinals.

“Sébastien has much more experience than a do playing after a delay,” said Gasquet. “This is the first time on the circuit that I've played under reflectors. I didn't adapt well and I didn't hit hard enough on this surface. I played well and in the end, I'd rather lose to a compatriot than an unknown. I'll have other opportunities to play against him.”

Grosjean did admit that the rain delay worked to his advantage. “I serve much better after the rain, and I was maybe more aggressive than him. I played in Wimbledon, and you have many matches like that.”

Top seeded Spaniard Rafael Nadal easily advanced to the third round of the Rogers Cup late Wednesday night, eliminating Brazil's Ricardo Mello 6-1, 6-2, in one hour and five minutes. The 19-year-old Spaniard played nearly perfect tennis by breaking four times and never facing a break point to register his 12th consecutive win.

The last time the two players met, Nadal won 6-4 in the third set. “I won some confidence,” said the Spaniard. “He was playing in his native country. Things are different here. I played well – better than in the first match.”

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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