Home
Up
Biography
News
Results
Videos
Photos
Schedule
Ranking
Interviews
Fan Area
Norman's favourites
About me
Quotes
Links
Contact me
Guestbook

Powered by Bravenet

Entry system ranking: 143 (282 points (-1))

Champions Race: 126 (7 points)(-3)

Current tournament: 

TMS Monte Carlos

Place: Monte Carlo, Monaco
Date: April 15-21, 2002
Draw Size: 64
Surface: Clay
Prize Money: US $ 2,578,000
Stadium Court Seating: 7,000           Tournament Director: Francis Truchi        

Next tournament:

BMW Open

Thanks Ivanna for the photo! (Norman in Bueno Aires)

Visit the Official Magnus Norman Websit for weekly letters!

Norman Gives Sweden 2-0 Lead Over Russia

Sweden take a commanding 2-0 lead into the second day of their Davis Cup by NEC quarterfinal against Russia in Malmo. Magnus Norman followed up Thomas Johansson's memorable five-set victory over Yevgeny Kafelnikov by seeing off the brave challenge of 18-year-old Mikhail Youzhny 7-6(9) 6-4 6-2 in two hours and 29 minutes.

Those who expected Youzhny to capitulate to his vastly more experienced opponent were instead treated to a display of uninhibited aggression by the youngster, who was contesting his first 'live' Davis Cup rubber following Marat Safin's late withdrawal through injury. With the added pressure of a 1-0 tie deficit, he adopted an all-out attack policy that at times caused gasps of amazement from the capacity crowd.

Faced with this early onslaught, 24-year-old Norman dropped serve in the third game, but recovered his composure to level at 3-3. The match went with serve for the remainder of the set, although Youzhny needed to save a set point at 4-5 before forcing a tiebreak.

Norman held four set points at 6-2 in the breaker, but his teenage opponent hit five spectacular winners to lead 7-6. It was then the Swede's turn to save two set points, before finally clinching the set at his seventh opportunity.

The first set under his belt, Norman broke twice to lead 5-2 in the second, before Youzhny launched another comeback. He recovered one of the breaks of serve, but netted a forehand on a point for 5-5 and his challenge was over.

Norman, who has struggled to recapture the form that saw him reach last year's Roland Garros final, raised his game in the third set, reeling off the last four games of the match to the delight of the Swedish fans.

Afterwards the Swedish No. 1 said he had expected a tough battle from his little-known opponent. "Davis Cup is Davis Cup as everyone knows. Mikhail had nothing to lose today and played well in the first set.

"I was not confident when I came onto the court. I was clearly the favourite and I felt the expectation from the crowd. I thought I played too defensively at the start, but the key is being as aggressive as I was in the third set. I hope I can take that with me into Sunday.

"I am a good fighter and I really want to win. It helped having a lot of encouraged from the team bench. They all know I haven't been playing well recently and I wanted to show them I can be tough."

Youzhny was also pleased with his performance. "I had a little bit of cramp in the first set because of nerves, but I thought I played well for my first live match."

Swedish Captain Carl Axel Hageskog was delighted with his team's efforts. "It's nice to have a 2-0 lead after the first day and I am looking forward to the doubles. It was a great performance from Thomas. The third set was very important and the key to the match. Magnus started off slowly but played very well in the third set."

Hageskog would not be drawn on making predictions for the next two days, saying: "We plan our work and work."

Russian Captain Shamil Tarpischev congratulated the Swedish team on their good play. "The first rubber was a great match for the fans, and luck was with Thomas today. Mikhail played very positively and it was a good experience for him."

Simon Aspelin and Jonas Bjorkman will bid to seal a 3-0 victory for Sweden when they take on Kafelnikov and Andrei Olhovskiy in Saturday's doubles. Nominations can be changed up until one hour before the start of play.

Source: DavisCup.com