25 Apr 2004 - Coliseum d'Amiens, Amiens, FRA - Catherine Luiggi - FRA v GER Mission Accomplished For France Reigning Fed Cup Champions France fulfilled their mission this weekend with a 5-0 victory over Germany in the first round of the Fed Cup played on the clay courts of Amiens, France. Their destiny on day two was in the hands today of France’s No.1 player Amelie Mauresmo, who is on a ten match winning streak in Fed Cup singles. “This definitely helps my confidence in my career”, a jubilant Mauresmo said after taking the decisive point in just over an hour. “Our contract is fulfilled. We listened to every word that our Captain Guy Forget told us during this past week, constantly reminding us that a nonchalant attitude against the Germans would be a mistake. We are happy to have won quickly in three matches”. In the first match, Nathalie Dechy was on a rocky road throughout against the young and menacing Anna-Lena Groenefeld. After a tiebreak in the first set, won by the German, Dechy turned the match upside down by taking the second set 61, the scenario many had expected to see from the beginning of the match. The French No.2 wavered slightly at the start of the third set but steadied to take the match 67(4) 61 64. “I was nervous throughout the match,” a relieved Dechy said afterwards, “but I got through it. This first point was so important for us to win. The best moment for me was match point!” Following Dechy on court was teammate and World No.3 Amelie Mauresmo who stormed through the second rubber, totally overwhelming her opponent Barbara Rittner 61 62. Ahead 2-0, things were looking good for the defending champions for Sunday, the team hoping to take the decisive point in the first reverse singles rubber. But caution was necessary - who knew if Anna-Lena Groenefeld would be able to display her talent and take revenge against Mauresmo. After all, as French Captain Guy Forget said on the eve of the day two - “anything is possible in the Fed Cup”. Mauresmo entered the arena full of confidence and aggression and raced to a 3-0 lead. The Frenchwoman never let the 2003 Roland Garros junior champion – playing in her first Fed Cup tie – produce the attacking game she is reputed for. The two last rubbers were won in straight sets by Emile Loit over Julia Schruff and Dechy and Mauresmo over Julia Schruff and Groenefeld earning France a 5-0 whitewash. The satisfaction was immense, and the reigning Fed Cup champions are looking forward to their next round against either Italy or Czech Republic. “The ambiance was fantastic this week and Amelie brought us the final point with great conviction,” Forget after the deciding point. “The girls were so happy to be together again, the first time since December, and we all look forward to our next tie.” When asked about their next round, the optimism and excitement was unanimous amongst the French team. “Should we play Italy, Schiavone and Farina have had very good results,” Mauresmo said. “The level of the tie will be higher than this weekend. And what’s more, we’ll be playing outside and on their turf. We’ll have to be well prepared, but our team is strong and we are all very optimistic.” When asked if the French team saw themselves as the favourite for this year’s title, Forget responded with typical humility: “No, not at all. Despite the fact that the Americans and the Belgians have some difficulties, the two teams are stronger than us on the records. But with good preparation, and optimum physical form, we have our chances. But we’ll have to beat the Italians or the Czechs first, which won’t be an easy matter.” http://www.fedcup.com/news/matchreport.asp?id=10445 --

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