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| Olivier Rochus has never really lived up to expectations at Roland Garros, despite the vocal support from the legions of Belgian fans who make the journey south to Paris every year. He has twice reached the third round, first in 2001 and then again last year, when he missed out on an excellent opportunity to progress, losing to Spain’s Alberto Martin in five sets. This year’s draw has been tough on the 26-year-old as for once he will not have the backing of the crowd against a dangerous opponent. | | | | Gael Monfils reached the last sixteen last year, beating Andy Murray and James Blake in five sets along the way, so he will be looking forward to repeating that experience. The promising Frenchman loves playing in big stadiums on home clay, and will need to perform well if he is to retain precious ranking points. Currently No.55, in the world, Monfils will be aided in his Roland Garros campaign by new coach Tarik Benhabiles. | |
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| Rochus arrives in Paris on the back of a disappointing clay court season that has deprived him of a seeding at Roland Garros. The world No.41 has only won one match in his last four tournaments, and that was against Michael Llodra, who is hardly a clay court specialist himself. The French-speaking Belgian also lost all three matches he played at the World Team Cup in Dusseldorf. | | | | Monfils finally found form last week in Portschach. The young Parisian had had a calamitous season up to that point, but "La Monf" turned it all around in Austria, defeating Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt on a run that was only stopped by defeat to Juan Monaco in the final. | |
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| Rochus is one of the smallest players on the men’s circuit at 1.65m, but what he lacks in height, he more than makes up for in superb movement and vision. He has a deft touch and one of the smoothest one-handed backhands in the game. Add to that a ferocious will to win and you get a man who really plays to his strengths. | | | | Monfils is something of a showman. At 1.93m he has a 28cm advantage over his opponent that will be particularly evident when comparing the pair’s service. Monfils relies heavily on his booming first delivery, a thumping forehand and his excellent movement, notably his ability to slide over the clay. He is rock solid in defence but could come to the net more often, especially given his height. | |
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| Rochus will be looking to make Montfils run after the Frenchmen’s gruelling final at Portschach on Saturday. His drop shot will no doubt be put to good effect as he tests the youngster’s mettle. | | | | What Monfils will have gained in confidence at Portschach, he may well have lost in terms of stamina. Witness his 6-0 drubbing in the second set of Saturday’s final. He’ll be looking to get his forehand and service working early and keep the rallies short and sweet. | |
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| Rochus has won all three of his matches against Monfils and only conceded one set in the process. That came in their first encounter on clay in Monte Carlo (4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in 2006). | | | | The two have met only once in a major, in the second round in Melbourne in 2005, when the Belgian easily disposed of his young opponent, 6-1, 6-3, 6-3. | |
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