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It`s the reign of the Latinos at French Open
Paris, Jun 02: Today`s eighth day menu at the French Open will be a gourmet experience - at least for those whose tastes incline to claycourt slugfests served up by Spanish and Portuguese speakers.
Paris, Jun 02: Today's eighth day menu at the French Open will be a gourmet experience - at least for those whose tastes incline to claycourt slugfests served up by Spanish and Portuguese speakers.
Jarkko Nieminen, the 30th-seeded Finn, will be one of just two non-Latinos on court in the day's main matches when he steps onto the Philippe Chatrier Centre Court to do battle with Chilean 19th seed Fernando Gonzalez, the prize at stake a place in the men's quarter-finals.
Following them will be defending champion and Spanish ninth seed Albert Costa, who meets Arnaud Clement, the 32nd seed on whose shoulders French hopes rest as the host nation seeks an end to a 20-year drought since Yannick Noah lifted the men's Muskateers' Cup.
Clement, Australian Open finalist two years ago, has yet to make the quarters at his home event in six attempts.
On the Suzanne Lenglen Court, Spanish third seed Juan Carlos Ferrero, growing into his role as a hot favourite after last year's final loss to Costa, will meet 20th-seeded compatriot Felix Mantilla.
Afterwards, the man who knocked out top seed Lleyton Hewitt, Spanish 28th seed Tommy Robredo, will go toe to toe with three-time champion and Brazilian 15th seed Gustavo Kuerten, a huge crowd favourite here after winning in 1997, 2000 and 2001.
Bureau Report
Jarkko Nieminen, the 30th-seeded Finn, will be one of just two non-Latinos on court in the day's main matches when he steps onto the Philippe Chatrier Centre Court to do battle with Chilean 19th seed Fernando Gonzalez, the prize at stake a place in the men's quarter-finals.
Following them will be defending champion and Spanish ninth seed Albert Costa, who meets Arnaud Clement, the 32nd seed on whose shoulders French hopes rest as the host nation seeks an end to a 20-year drought since Yannick Noah lifted the men's Muskateers' Cup.
Clement, Australian Open finalist two years ago, has yet to make the quarters at his home event in six attempts.
On the Suzanne Lenglen Court, Spanish third seed Juan Carlos Ferrero, growing into his role as a hot favourite after last year's final loss to Costa, will meet 20th-seeded compatriot Felix Mantilla.
Afterwards, the man who knocked out top seed Lleyton Hewitt, Spanish 28th seed Tommy Robredo, will go toe to toe with three-time champion and Brazilian 15th seed Gustavo Kuerten, a huge crowd favourite here after winning in 1997, 2000 and 2001.
Bureau Report