2004 FRENCH OPEN
3rd Round
GUSTAVO KUERTEN v ROGER FEDERER
6-4, 6-4, 6-4
Gustavo Kuerten relived his glory days on the terre battue by shocking
top seed Roger Federer in the third round of the French Open.
Kuerten, champion at Roland Garros in 1997, 2000 and 2001, produced the sort of
form that has largely eluded him since he underwent hip surgery in 2002.
World number one Federer was nowhere near his best but Kuerten never allowed him
to find a rhythm.
Kuerten said, Roland Garros is like a second home for me and to beat the number
one player is a great achievement
The Brazilian 28th seed took an early break in each of the second and third
sets, and Federer was unable to fashion a single break-point.
Kuerten's remarkable win leaves the top half of the draw wide open, with eighth
seed David Nalbandian now the highest seed in that section.
Kuerten said he had had no expectations coming into the tournament.
"For me it is just a pleasure to be here because I didn't expect to play, the
way my physical condition has been. It's unbelievable," said the 28-year-old.
Federer admitted that he had not played up to his usual standard but had no
excuses for his defeat.
"He served good and was better - that's all," said the Swiss player.
"I was struggling with my footwork and I lost my confidence.
"Now I'm just looking forward to getting out on the grass," added the Wimbledon
champion.
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