Evergreen Bjorkman delights Swedish supporters

PARIS, June 2 (Reuters) Jonas Bjorkman struck a blow for the older generation today when the 35-year-old reached the fourth round of the French Open for the first time in 11 years.

The unseeded Swede beat Spain's Oscar Hernandez 6-7 6-3 6-0 6-1 to set up an intriguing clash with 30-year-old former champion Carlos Moya.

While Moya has a proven track record on clay, having taken the title here in 1998, Bjorkman's run has caught everybody by surprise.

In his previous 13 consecutive appearances at the claycourt grand slam, he suffered eight first-round defeats.

Asked how he had suddenly clicked on the slow surface, the wily Bjorkman said it was down to brain rather than brawn.

''I guess you get brighter,'' said the Swede, the oldest player to reach the fourth round since 38-year-old Italian Nicola Pietrangeli performed the feat in 1972.

MORE PATIENT ''Because everyone is hitting a lot harder, it's a lot tougher for me. These days everyone is so good at hitting passing shots so I'm more patient. I just try to come to the net and take them by surprise,'' he told reporters.

There is no doubting Bjorkman's fitness after he battled back from two sets down in the first and second rounds, and he again came from behind today.

He said the run had given him as much pleasure as reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals last year when he lost to Roger Federer.

''For me to be at the forefront in Paris is like making the semis at Wimbledon,'' he said.

''A lot of people have come from Sweden and I don't think they expected to see me playing a third-round singles match. I just wanted to give them a hug.'' Moya played impeccable tennis to beat Argentine qualifier Juan Pablo Brzezicki 6-1 6-3 7-5.

''It was beautiful for me, an hour and a half of pleasure, great pleasure,'' said the Spaniard.

''I felt I could dominate the ball, doing what I pleased with it, and that's something you don't very often experience. It was a day of inspiration.'' REUTERS NY BST0320