Bjorkman feels his age at French Open

Paris:

Age is creeping up on Jonas Bjorkman.

The 35-year-old Swede has played in Grand Slams since 1993, and at the French Open since 1994.

After a match, when Bjorkman wakes up the next day, he struggles with his aching legs.

"(It's) tough, sometimes, to put the socks on," Bjorkman said on Monday after losing to Carlos Moya in the fourth round 7-6 (5), 6-2, 7-5.

Had he beaten Moya, Bjorkman would have been the third man aged over 35 to make the quarterfinals at Roland Garros.

"When you're 25, you probably could play every day, four hours a day or six hours a day. At 35, you've got to be smarter and try to save energy," said Bjorkman.

Bjorkman remembers the first time he played Moya - 11 years ago in France at an indoor tournament in Marseille. He also remembers the result.

"I think it was his first indoor event. And I lost," Bjorkman said.

The Swede was disappointed to find out he was playing Moya on Court Suzanne Lenglen, which is slower than center court.

"It is so much heavier that court. It doesn't benefit me at all," Bjorkman said.

Moya was not too pleased either, having lost his five previous matches on Suzanne Lenglen.

Bjorkman's departure has left Moya, who is seeded 23rd, with his own claim to fame at this year's tournament.

"Now I'm the oldest guy," said Moya, who is 30.

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