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DEAR REDIFF

Paes knocks out Costa, moves into round two

World number 110 Leander Paes did a number on the 90th ranked Carlos Costa of Spain, ousting him 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 in the first round of the U S OPen to set up a meeting with world number 31 Arnaud Boetsch of France - who, interestingly, beat another Costa, Albert, in the first round.

The ease of his win over Carlos Costa came as a surprise, says Paes, who is now looking forward to his second meeting with Boetsch. The last time they met, in 1993 in course of a Davis Cup showdown on clay in France, in course of which Paes defeated him in straight sets.

Boetsch remembers that defeat at Frejus - and says he is looking forward to the meeting. "To me, he is a dangerous player. Sometimes, when I see him in the locker room, the memories come back and it's tough. Let's say he is not my best friend," Boetsch says.

"That was a long time ago, different surface, and both our games have grown since then," Paes responds.

Come Thursday, the two will take the court - and indications are that this game will be won, and lost, in the mind.