U.S. falls in Davis Cup semis

PARIS -- Andy Roddick and James Blake couldn't change the luck of the United States on the clay at Roland Garros.

Sebastien Grosjean overcame an ankle injury and beat Andy Roddick 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 Sunday, giving France its third win in the best-of-five competition and clinching a spot in the final of the Davis Cup. James Blake beat Arnaud Clement 6-4, 6-3 in 49 minutes in the final singles match. France won 3-2 overall.

The loss was the United States' fifth to France in five appearances at Roland Garros. The U.S. team hadn't played at the home of the French Open since 1932, but Roddick, Blake and Todd Martin struggled on the slow surface -- just as their predecessors had.

"We're going to be a force on clay," U.S. team captain Patrick McEnroe pledged after the loss.

Defending champion France will play Russia, a 3-2 winner over Argentina in the other semifinal, in the Nov. 29-Dec. 1 final. The French are seeking their first back-to-back titles since 1932.

"He just stayed there mentally the whole time," Roddick said of Grosjean, ranked No. 9 in the ATP's entry system. "When I didn't make one or two forehand errors in a service game, he was ready to come up with the shots.

"I don't know if I wouldn't have minded a faster surface, but you've got to play with the cards that you're dealt."

Both players battled injuries on the dry and slightly chilly center court. Grosjean had his right ankle taped after skidding and falling in the second set, which he lost. Roddick played the bulk of the match with a large patch on his lower back to soothe sore muscles.