Tennis Moods: Time To Say Goodbye: The Bandana Man Retires

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Time To Say Goodbye: The Bandana Man Retires

My first memory of Arnaud Clement goes back to the 2001 Australian Open when the Frenchman contested that epic semifinal against compatriot Sebastian Grosjean. Both players gave it their all, and while Grosjean looked like the eventual winner for most of the encounter, Arnaud dug deep and fought back sensationally, recovering from two sets to love to seal his berth in his maiden Grand Slam final. Although he eventually succumbed to American Andre Agassi, that fortnight guaranteed him a place in the history book. No matter what will happen going forward, he will always remain the 2001 Australian Open runner-up.
Clement was a man of the big matches. He lacked the consistency to be a regular top 10 figure, but on a given day, he could battle it all with the world's greatest on equal terms. He won four ATP singles titles, in Lyon in 2000 (d. Rafter), Metz in 2003 (d. Gonzales), respectively Montpellier (d. Ancic) and Washington (d. Murray) in 2006 and got his highest ranking at number 10 in April 2001, following his incredible run Down Under.
In addition to being an excellent singles player, Clement experienced tremendous success in doubles also. Teaming up with Llodra, he won his sole Grand Slam trophy in 2007 at Wimbledon and contested the Australian Open final in 2008. The duo has also been the rock of the French Davis Cup squad, obtaining lots of valuable points, especially in 2010, when the team finished runner-up to Serbia in a dramatic final. Reliving his biggest success, Arnaud stated: “I had always considered myself to be a calm person, but to play the match together and to share the victory was an emotional moment for us. It wasn’t just the way we played, but also the setting, the chance to play in the final on Court Number 1; the court was full to bursting, there was a great atmosphere. It was the only doubles Grand Slam that I’ve won and to do it with him was great. I am glad it was here and with him.”
He ended his singles career at the French Open, but his final showing ought to have been at Wimbledon. A singles quarterfinalist in 2008 and a doubles champion in 2007, Arnaud targeted a glorious exit, hoping to rekindle the doubles magic he shared with compatriot Michael Llodra. Llodra was quick to reply, dumping his regular partner, Nenad Zimonjic, and agreeing to play with Clement for one last time. Also, he celebrated his good friend in his own manner, opting to wear Clement's famous bandanas for this tournament. The pair lost in the third round to the Bryan brother in a tight five setter.

Although he will always be remembered as a One Slam Wonder, the 'small' Frenchman played a vital part in the development of French tennis. "To me he's a big guy, although he's a bit small," said Tsonga. "He's a short guy. But he's always set the example. He's always fought on the court. And I guess you need to be his size and play tennis to realise how huge this is, because he's fighting against much bigger guys. Everything he did during his career is setting the example for young players. Apart from that, there is not much to say. But exemplary, that's the word I would use to describe him."

Clement will continue to maintain an active role with the French Federation even after his retirement, as he will assume the Davis Cup captaincy, replacing Guy Forget at the start of the next season.

Clement contested one singles Grand Slam final at the 2001 Australian Open, when he lost to American Andre Agassi 6-4,6-2,6-2. During his run to the finals, he defeated the likes of Roger Federer, Greg Rusedski, Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Sebastien Grosjean.

Clement won his last singles title in 2006 in Washington, defeating Andy Murray in the final. The Frenchman took out Lleyton Hewitt and Marat Safin in earlier rounds.

Clement claimed his sole Grand Slam trophy in 2007 at Wimbledon, when he teamed up with Michel Llodra to beat the Bryan brothers in an epic final.

Clement and Llodra played another Grand Slam final at the 2008 Australian Open, when they were defeated by the Israeli team of Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram.

Clement and Llodra claimed one of their biggest in the 2010 Davis Cup final when they defeated the Serbs Victor Troicki and Nenad Zimonjic. Although France lost the final, Arnaud and Michel were their country's heroes.

@ Roland Garros 2012: Following his second round defeat to Belgian David Goffin, Clement was honored for his illustrious career under a packed Phillippe Chatrier Court.