Wimbledon – Men’s singles: Richard Gasquet qualified for the 3rd round

Richard Gasquet qualified for the third round of Wimbledon 2022. Despite a conceded set against MacKenzie McDonald, the Frenchman won in 2h31 of play (6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3) and confirms his status as an outsider in this tournament where the grass regularly succeeds. For his next match, the Bittérois will face the Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp.

Semi-finalist at Wimbledon in 2007 and 2015, Richard Gasquet offers himself a makeover in this Grand Slam tournament that he particularly likes. After a long fight in the first round against Joao Sousa, the Frenchman could have met Marin Cilic in this second round. But the Covid-19 went through it for the Croatian, and it was finally McDonald, 55 in the ATP rankings, who presented himself against the Habs.

Winner of their only direct confrontation, the American could have left with a slight psychological advantage at the start. But that was without counting on the experience of “Richie” on grass. Quickly put to the test when receiving returns from Gasquet, McDonald held his serve until the eighth game of the first set by conceding the break and letting Gasquet win the first set in 38 minutes (6-3).

As in 2016

More comfortable in the second set, the Californian took advantage of a visible drop in speed from his opponent to quickly lead 4-1. With three break points to defend when serving to win the set, McDonald closed the game to equalize at one set everywhere (6-3). More dominating on his face-off, McDonald seemed to take the advantage over Gasquet, already well blunted from his first round in five innings against Joao Sousa.

But in experience, the Biterrois proved to be more effective. At 5-4 service to follow for McDonald, Gasquet obtained two set points and converted the second after 1h38 of play (6-4). Eager to take a break to recover from his emotions, McDonald took the hit. Stronger mentally despite the difficulties in returning, Gasquet broke in the fourth set to lead 3-1 and headed for victory (6-4). His three double faults in his last service game will remain anecdotal: Gasquet repeats his 2016 performance and qualifies for the knockout stages at Wimbledon. Next objective: the second week…