The tournaments follow one another and look alike for Hugo Gaston. Unfortunately for the Toulousain, the end is never happy with defeats in the very first rounds. Outside of qualifying, there is only Miami where he spent two rounds, as if his season could not get started. In Lyon, however, he had a good card to play against Manuel Guinard (158th), from qualifying. But it was the Malouin who won, winning his first victory on the ATP circuit.
Too passive, Gaston had taken the worst start and saw his opponent come off 4-1 in the first set. The 68th in the world then came out of his torpor and began to cook his opponent based on amortizations and lobs. But it was too late and it was indeed Guinard who took the lead. Guilty of only 39% of first serves, Gaston had only reacted.
Not ideal before Roland
Crushed by the Lyon dodger, the two men quickly sought a second wind in the second set. Keeping his service became complicated (2 breaks conceded by each player) and it was at the tie-break that the matter was settled. Despite a good start, Guinard was unable to stay ahead. As often when his back is against the wall, Gaston released his best shots and equalized with one set everywhere.
But in the final set, it was Guinard and his heavy forehand that dictated the game. Gaston got rid of the ball too quickly and seemed to suffer more from the heat. Suffice to say that he will not arrive at Roland-Garros with a bag full of confidence. Guinard will face Michael Mmoh (176th), drafted after Gaël Monfils’ package.
