Paris, June 05: When Albert Costa lifted the French Open crown last year many believed that the man who had for years played a supporting role to the Spanish armada of claycourt battlers had achieved his solitary moment of glory.
After all it was the first title in three years for the 27-year-old from Barcelona. But here again, twelve months later and without a title in 22 tournaments since, Costa is once again into the semi-finals on the red clay of Roland Garros, and a contender to defend his trophy.
He came back from two sets down before beating fellow Spaniard Tommy Robredo 2-6 3-6 6-4 7-5 6-2 yesterday and in the process set a grand slam record of winning four matches in five sets.
Costa next meets compatriot Juan Carlos Ferrero in a replay of last year's final, which was the last of five times the duo have met, their record 3-2 in Costa's favour.
Competing in his tenth Roland Garros, Costa admits that mentally he has never been stronger.



"What I have discovered is that I have a better mental strength, possibly because I won before," said Costa who has won 12 titles, all on clay, and amassed six million dollars in his career.



"At the beginning of the tournament I had no confidence. But I held in there. I'm very motivated and want to win again."


Bureau Report