After going out and having conceded a 6-0 in the fourth set, to give up his service at the start of the decisive round, Hugo Gaston seemed in very bad shape, Tuesday, in the first round of Roland-Garros. But the Frenchman was able to wake up in the fifth to overthrow the Australian Alex de Minaur in the super tie-break (4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 0-6, 7-6 [4]), over a conquered short Suzanne-Lenglen.
The Toulousain, revelation of the 2020 edition, where he had reached the round of 16, was able to destabilize the world number 20, thanks to his game while variation. In the fifth round, he displayed this varied palette of forehand slices, drop shots, bomb shots, this mastery of the geometry of clay, but also a spoon serve, which gave him a point and made jubilate the public of Suzanne-Lenglen.
A mind of steel
The left-hander will not have gambergé either, after having wasted two opportunities to conclude, since he served to win the match twice, at 5-4 and 6-5. Gaston regained all his lucidity and all his touch in the super tie-break, clearly dominated (10-4).
“It’s amazing, you pushed mehe thanked at the microphone on the court, after a standing ovation and “Hugo” chanted by the public. When I saw the score and I lost the 4th 6-0 and it was 3-0 in the fifth, I was not well, but you pushed, she is for us! It was a very tough match, against a player who moves very fast, but I knew I could annoy him with my variation. I went to draw deep within myself, I am very happy. » Without forgetting to wish a happy birthday to his companion, present in the stands, who was able to enjoy a ” happy birthday “ sung by the crowd.
In the second round, Gaston will face a lucky-loser, the Argentinian Pedro Cachin (27 years old, 153rd).
