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France oust Germany in Davis Cup first round

Posted on: Saturday, 11 February 2006, 12:53 CST

By Iain Rogers

HALLE, Germany (Reuters) - France seized an unbeatable 3-0 lead over Germany in their Davis Cup first round tie on Saturday, winning the doubles to dash the home nation's hopes of a winning return to the elite World Group.

French pair Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra booked their team's place in April's quarter-finals, coming back from a set down to defeat Tommy Haas and Alexander Waske 6-7 6-3 6-4 6-1.

France, going for their first Davis Cup title since 2001, set up a last eight meeting with Russia, who beat the Netherlands on Saturday in their first round clash.

"You have to acknowledge how well France played, even if that's difficult," Haas said. "You have to expect them to go far in this year's competition."

The visitors were 2-0 ahead after Friday's opening singles, Sebastien Grosjean overcoming Australian Open semi-finalist Nicolas Kiefer and teenager Richard Gasquet beating Haas.

It is the seventh meeting between the two nations, with France holding a 5-2 advantage. The last time they met in 1996, France won 5-0 and went on to collect the trophy.

Haas and an error-prone Waske, undefeated in three previous Davis Cup doubles matches together, started Saturday's contest strongly but were outfought by the wily Clement and the tall, powerful Llodra.

"One or two points here and there going the other way and maybe the outcome would have been different," said Haas.

Germany had returned to the World Group after a two-year absence and last won the Davis Cup in 1993 helped by former Wimbledon champion Michael Stich.

Germany last defeated France way back in 1938.

Source: REUTERS

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