Andriy Medvediev Captivates Parisians

"The Roland Harros Tournament finals," Meritorious Trainer of Ukraine Anatoly Krzhevin told The Day's correspondent, "have not seen play of such class in fifteen years. Andriy showed class and was flourishing. He was stronger in the first two sets, 6:1 and 6:2, but with Agassi one has to fight to the last volley. The American managed to turn the tide and win the next three sets 6:4, 6:3, 6:4. It seems to me that this can be explained by the physical stress on Medvediev, who has had five tough encounters in two weeks.

Russian chief team coach Shamil Tarpishchev said that the Kyivan had scored a success just by making it to the finals and will of course want to taste victory next time out. "And if after going through yet another extremely complicated eye operation and after that played in only a few tournaments, then I have to add that his real capabilities place him in the top twenty players. Unfortunately, Ukraine currently lacks any other players even close to him in strength."

We need not feel too sorry for our compatriot. After all, his opponent did sweep the tournament and is now ranked fifth in the world.

Rounding off Medvediev's performance in Paris one can note that in all seven games he was marvelous. Second place in Big Helmet tournament and his advance from his hundredth ranking into the top thirty - such results speak for themselves. And, what is more, Andriy behaved like a true gentleman, telling the fans, "I love you," a phrase that has long fascinated Parisians.