Grosjean peaks to give France final with Russia

France reached their third Davis Cup final in four years thanks to a performance described by Sebastien Grosjean as "the best of his career".

The French No 1 overcame the up-and-coming American Andy Roddick at Roland Garros 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and 42 minutes to give the holders an unassailable 3-1 lead in the tie and set up a final against Russia. The United States claimed some pride when James Blake beat Arnaud Clement 6-4, 6-3 in the dead rubber.

"This is the greatest I have ever performed in my career," Grosjean said. "Even my Tennis Masters Series win in Paris last year was not as intense."

In Moscow, Marat Safin earned Russia a meeting with France, overpowering the Wimbledon finalist David Nalbandian in four sets as the hosts beat Argentina 3-2. Safin beat Nalbandian 7-6, 6-7, 6-0 6-3, but admitted that he had feared his part in Saturday's marathon doubles match had sapped his strength. "I didn't expect that I could even finish this match," Safin said. "I felt I had no energy left."

He and Yevgeny Kafelnikov had been beaten after six hours and six minutes in the longest match in recent Davis Cup history. The Argentinians, playing together for the first time, defeated the Russians 6-4, 6-4, 5-7, 3-6, 19-17. The final set stretched past three hours. At 16-16, Safin served for the match, the Russians failed to convert two match points, and then Safin lost his serve.

Kafelnikov, serving to stay in the match after more than six hours of play, was broken, giving the Argentinians the win.

In Sunday's second match, Argentina's Juan Ignacio Chela beat Russia's Mikhail Youzhny, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4.