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French frenzy Clement upsets Rafter to win Lyon title
Updated: Sunday November 12, 2000 2:56 PM
LYON, France (AP) -- Arnaud Clement won the first title of his career Sunday, upsetting Patrick Rafter 7-6 (7-2), 7-6 (7-5) before a roaring home crowd in the $800,000 Lyon Grand Prix. Clement, playing in only his second final, defeated the eighth-seeded Aussie in a match marked by acrobatic shots and daring net play. "This is my first title, so it's quite emotional," said Clement, who advanced to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open this year, his best Grand Slam finish. "It was important for me to win here. First, because it was my first title. Second, because it was here in France. And third, because my dad will now have to shave his mustache as promised for my first title." Rafter, twice the U.S. Open champ, was playing in his first final since Wimbledon, where he lost to Pete Sampras. He had arrived in Lyon intent on atoning for early exits from recent tournament in Germany and Hong Kong. Since shoulder surgery in October 1999, he has won just one tournament this season. But he appeared in top form this week, defeating Hicham Arazi and Gustavo Kuerten. "It's always disappointing to lose in a final but Arnaud played well," Rafter said. "He played smart and didn't allow me to play, as well. "But I'm still happy with my tournament. I got confidence and feel strong in my game and I'd like to carry that confidence on." Clement sailed through the semifinal after Andre Agassi pulled out with a thigh injury. In the final, cheered by the sellout crowd, he won on his first match point -- a stinging forehand that Rafter drove into the net. In the first-set tiebreaker, Rafter repeatedly netted shots and Clement repeatedly delivered service winners. Rafter elevated his game in the second set, particularly his serve. But he again looked weak early in the tiebreaker, with Clement getting two mini-breaks to lead 4-2. The Aussie rallied to make it 5-5 and a third set appeared to loom. However, Rafter lost his very next serve to give the Frenchman match point before losing with a low shot. "He had trouble at first but then he mixed it up and it was much tougher for me in the second set," said Clement, brandishing his trophy, a bronze lion's paw gripping a gold tennis ball. "I think today I had to draw much deeper on my mental reserves than my physical reserves."
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