Gaudio struggles as Germany beat Argentina

DUESSELDORF, May 23: Germany's Nicolas Kiefer backed Gaston Gaudio to do well at Roland Garros next week despite humiliating the former French Open champion 6-2 6-3 at the World Team Cup today.

Kiefer helped Germany to secure a 2-1 victory over Argentina, while the Czech Republic beat Italy with the same score.

Argentine Gaudio was in despair after he suffered his second straight sets defeat this week and admitted he had little hope of making an impression in Paris.

''I'm struggling,'' Gaudio, who won the season's second grand slam title two years ago, told reporters.

''I don't know why my tennis is going so bad. I don't feel the ball and definitely I'm playing the worst tennis ever.

''It's the worst situation, getting to the French Open playing like this. It is pathetic.'' Kiefer, however, believes Gaudio will still be a threat when play begins in Paris on Sunday.

''He's a great player on claycourt and you have to respect that,'' said Kiefer. ''He's showed it over the last weeks, the last years. He's still hot for the French Open.

''But I played my game and he didn't get any rhythm.'' Kiefer's victory put Germany level with Argentina after Alexander Waske had been edged out 4-6 6-4 7-6 by Jose Acasuso.

Michael Kohlmann and Alexander Waske then secured the tie for Germany with a 6-3 6-3 win over David Nalbandian and Sebastian Prieto.

The defeat left Argentina with no points from two ties in the Red Group.

The Czechs also had to wait until the doubles to win their tie against Italy.

Tomas Berdych gave the Czechs the lead by winning the last five games to defeat Filippo Volandri 6-1 6-4. Italy's Davide Sanguinetti then defeated Robin Vik 7-6 2-6 6-4, before Berdych and Leos Friedl teamed up to beat Sanguinetti and Volandri 6-2 6-1.

Chile's Fernando Gonzalez has injured his right thigh and has withdrawn from tomorrowday's match against the United States.

The World Team Cup, which features six of the world's top 10 players, is played between eight teams split into two groups, with the winners of each group contesting Saturday's final.

Reuters