Norman's gesture hailed by officials

Magnus Norman was commended by tennis officials on Tuesday for his sportsmanship after the Swede handed victory to Sebastien Grosjean by ignoring a 'let' on match-point in their fourth round Australian Open match.

The gesture by fourth seed Norman allowed France's Grosjean to claim a place in the quarter-finals of the opening Grand Slam event of the year.

"It was a great gesture in a very professional sport and indicates Magnus is not only a player of considerable standing but of considerable character also," said Graeme Agars, vice-president of communications with the ATP Tour.

"I'm sure it won't go unnoticed when it comes time to present the 2001 player awards," he said.

The governing body of the men's game hands out a fair play award at the end of each year.

"It will be difficult to give it to anyone else after this," Norman joked after the match.

"My mother always told me when I was growing up that I should play hard but also fairly," he said.

The act of sportsmanship came after Grosjean, the 16th seed, sent down what appeared to be an ace on his third match point against the Swede.

But as he celebrated and Norman walked towards the net to shake hands, chair umpire Mike Morrisey rushed on to court to tell the pair that the ball had clipped the top of the net.

It should have given Norman a reprieve, and forced Grosjean to take his first serve again. But world number four Norman rejected the opportunity and insisted the match was over -- handing Grosjean a 7-6, 6-3, 0-6, 6-4 victory.

"I did not think there had been a let. If I had taken it and the match had turned around, I'm not sure I could have gone home feeling good about myself," Norman said.

Norman's generous act was also hailed by Grosjean after the Frenchman reached the quarter-finals of a grand slam for the first time in his career.

"That has never happened to me, certainly not on match point," Grosjean said.

"I don't know why he did it -- but Magnus is a nice guy. He is a competitive player but he is very fair."

"It was a very good thing to do. I'm not sure if I would do the same in future," he said.