Mahut's grasscourt season gets even better at Wimbledon

LONDON, June 26 (Reuters) Frenchman Nicolas Mahut's successful grasscourt season got even better today when he beat compatriot Arnaud Clement 6-3 3-6 7-6 6-4 in the first round of Wimbledon.

The 25-year-old was runner-up to Andy Roddick at the Queen's Club earlier this month but had to come through the qualifying rounds to reach the main draw of the grand slam.

Ranked 77 in the world, he showed little sign of fatigue while he breezed through the first set against the world number 34.

Clement, also beaten by Mahut in the Queen's Club semi-finals, fought back to take the second set before Mahut sealed the third set tiebreak 7-5.

Mahut booked his place in the second round with his 16th ace of the match.

Reuters TB RN2106