| | Associated Press
PARIS -- Unseeded Andrei Medvedev, making another strong run
at the French Open, advanced to the fourth round Saturday by beating
Agustin Calleri 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Medvedev was also unseeded last year when he reached the final
before losing to Andre Agassi. His next opponent will be
third-seeded Magnus Norman, who beat Sargis Sargsian 6-4, 6-1, 6-2.
The normally stoic Norman was irked that he was assigned to an
outside court despite his status as the highest remaining seed.
"It's strange they would put me on Court 10 because I'm the
highest remaining seed, but I'm the only guy playing on an
outside court today," Norman said. "I don't know if it's because
they don't like me here at the French or if the people don't
like me. But I find it a little bit strange."
Meanwhile, Frenchman Cedric Pioline, seeded sixth, swept Albert Portas 6-4,
6-3, 6-3. No. 9 Lleyton Hewitt beat Attila Savolt 6-1, 6-4, 6-0.
No. 12 Marat Safin eliminated Tommy Haas 7-6 (2), 6-3, 6-3.
Safin has won two clay tournaments this year and has been among
the more impressive players this week at Roland Garros.
"I've had a couple of good results but I'm still far from people
like Kafelnikov, the guys with real big names," Safin said.
"I've just had a very good month ... that's it."
Medvedev, 25, earned his only berth in a Grand Slam tournament
final last year at Roland Garros. "I've done some surprises in the past here," Medvedev said.
"I'm ready for another one."
Medvedev has a mediocre record of 17-12
this year but said he's playing well. "I feel just like I did last year," the Ukrainian said. "I'm
a little bit older, but I feel good."
Medvedev won't get a shot at a rematch with Agassi, who lost in
the second round to Karol Kucera.
"It's a pity to see him go so early," Medvedev said. "He
brought a lot of charm and charisma into the tournament last year.
By winning it, he certainly lifted up the whole game of tennis
again."
But Medvedev was critical of Agassi and Pete Sampras for playing
in just one European tournament before the French Open. Sampras was
eliminated in the first round and Agassi lost after developing
blisters on his big toe, which some attributed to a lack of
preparation on clay.
"Somehow the Americans sort of disappoint me," Medvedev said.
"What do they think? They think they can play one tournament
before, come to the French and win it again? They pull out from
Rome, from Monte Carlo, from Hamburg. Then they come to Paris
hoping to win. I think it's silly."
1989 champion Michael Chang, the last American in the men's
draw, lost Friday to 1997 winner Gustavo Kuerten.
Information from SportsTicker was used in this report. | |
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