Russia at France

Site: Palais des Sports, Pau, France
Surface: Indoor carpet (Taraflex)
Ball: Wilson US Open Extra Duty

France has lost their last two meetings with Russia, last year in the quarterfinals 3-2 when Igor Andreev allowed Paul-Henri Mathieu only three games in the fifth rubber, and in 2002 when Russia again edged France 3-2, this time in the final.

Those two meetings were at Russia on clay -- now France thinks they can turn the tide at home on indoor carpet.

Unfortunately the French host an explosive Russian team, with Marat Safin returned from injury, and Nikolay Davydenko enjoying the perks of the Top 10 on the ATP Rankings.

French captain Guy Forget knows the weekend rests of the physical and/or mental state of the world-beater Safin.

"We all know Safin and when he's on song, like he was in the 2002 final at Bercy, he's almost impossible to beat," Forget told reporters. "I watched him twice in the United States and when you come back after such a long time out the game, there are times when you drop pace. Maybe we can make something out of that."

On Wednesday it was revealed that Sebastien Grosjean will possibly be scratched with a back injury.

"Sebastien injured his back on Sunday during a training session. He is recovering quickly but is still in trouble when serving," French coach Patrice Hagelauer told Reuters on Wednesday. "The final decision will be taken after a training session tomorrow morning (Thursday) and before the draw. We hope he will pass the test."

Without Grosjean the French will rely on underachiever Richard Gasquet, veteran Arnaud Clement, and doubles specialist Michael Llodra.

Safin holds a 2-0 career advantage over Gasquet, and 1-0 over Clement. Davydenko is 1-1 versus Gasquet, and 1-0 against Clement.

"We have a good chance of beating France because Marat is here," Davydenko told reporters. "I think the French are afraid of him, just by his very being here even if he does not play. They have all been beaten by him."