Grosjean puts France into final

Grosjean won both his singles matches in the tie

France 3-2 USA

France clinched a return to the Davis Cup final when Sebastien Grosjean beat Andy Roddick to give them an unassailable lead in their semi-final against the USA.

Grosjean beat Roddick 6-4 3-6 6-3 6-4 at Roland Garros to put France back into the final which they won last year.

I have to go back to the drawing board and work on everything

Andy Roddick

"This is fabulous," said Grosjean. "The stadium was full from around 10 o'clock. It's been a great weekend of sport.

"This year we'll be at home in the final and in front of these fans."

In the final match of the tie, shortened to the best of three sets, James Blake defeated Arnaud Clement 6-4 6-3 to leave the overall score at 3-2 for the French.

France had taken a 2-0 lead on Friday only for the US to close the gap by taking Saturday's doubles.

USA hit back in doubles

Grosjean struggled with his serve in the opening set, but clinched the first set with a single break.

He suffered a sudden dip at the start of the second and conceded nine points in a row to trail 3-0.

While leading 30-15 on his serve in the sixth game Grosjean got a fright as he stumbled and seemed to have sprained his right ankle after returning Roddick's shot from the backcourt.

France captain Guy Forget asked for a break during which the Frenchman received medical attention and a bandage on his ankle.

Back on court, Grosjean managed to win his serve before challenging Roddick with some of his finest shots.

World Group round-up

He even had two break-points, but the American held on to his nerves and took a 5-2 lead before sealing the set with a winning forehand from the net.

In the third set, Grosjean put his ankle worries behind him as he broke Roddick's serve before winning his and taking a 5-2 lead.

He grabbed the set two games later with an ace and went back to his seat under the vibrant chorus of an ecstatic Paris crowd.

Grosjean then broke Roddick in the fifth game of the fourth set and that proved enough to clinch victory.

"I'm just learning," said Roddick.

"This year has been one life experience after another and I like to think these will make me better prepared, especially for Davis Cup matches like this.

"I have to go back to the drawing board and work on everything."