We do not do it to him, to Richard Gasquet (76th in the world). Not for his fifteenth participation in the Rolex Paris Masters. Faced with an Alex Molcan (44th) who tried to get off to a flying start, the Frenchman was able to be patient and bide his time to win in two well-controlled sets (6-3, 6-1).
He did not drag to take the measure of his opponent, as he broke quickly to lead 2-1. In this game, as in the first of the match, Molcan tried to arm wrestle in rhythm from the bottom, but Gasquet responded perfectly. If the Slovak came skillfully to save two break points at the net, he made a mistake in the exchange on the fifth break point for Gasquet. The Biterrois did not break away for long, since a double fault allowed Molcan to come back to 3-3. But Gasquet, determined to shorten the exchanges, took over the opposing service in stride (4-3). In the last game, a short return followed by a perfect passing gave him the victory of the first set.
A freewheeling second set
Gasquet was launched to the delight of a Parisian public who encouraged him as soon as possible. Molcan, he picked up. If the backhand is the main weapon of his game, his forehand shows his state of confidence. Very efficient with this shot, he showed that he had entered his tournament perfectly, with the right state of mind, and finished in freewheel. He will have to show the same solidity in the second round, since it is Casper Ruud, seeded n°3, who awaits him.
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Richard Gasquet had not won in Masters 1000 for two years and a victory over Taylor Fritz at… Rolex Paris Masters.
