Richard Gasquet bows entry in Adelaide

At a time when the most enduring of the revelers emptied their last cups in France, Richard Gasquet, jet lag obliges, was already on the court to play his first match of the season in Adelaide. For the first victory, he will have to wait a little longer because he lost to the American Carlos Giron.

On fast courts and in stifling heat, Gasquet suffered from his opponent’s more aggressive play. If there was no break in the first set, the conditions however seemed more favorable to Giron (who took advantage of the advice of Andre Agassi at the end of the year), while Gasquet was visibly seeking to slow down the game Without a break, the initial round was therefore going to be played as a tie-break. More consistent, Giron stood out 4-1. But the American was going to make two mistakes, including a big forehand while the court was open, to allow Gasquet to come back to 4-3. A huge defense from the French brought him up (4-4). But two big serves from Giron and a last fault from Gasquet finally offered a set to the 61st in the world.

The scenario of the second set was much the same, except that Gasquet was a little more struggling and regularly in danger on his commitments. But, at 36, he clung on like a youngster and held on until the tie-break. This time, Gasquet did not miss his start and even offered himself a set point, but Giron dismissed him with a huge forehand along the line. Never mind, Gasquet equalized with a set everywhere thanks to a winning service. Giron, who had six break points in this set, could blame himself.

First break for Gasquet, but it won’t be enough

The third set started on the same basis. After more than 2h30 of match, Gasquet finally got his first break point. In total control, Giron saved her from an untouchable cross amortization. Gasquet did not miss his second opportunity, a few games later, to make the first break of the match. Tested by the efforts made, it was difficult to see on his face the satisfaction of having come away 5-3 in the last set. But it was nevertheless he who served for the match.

A cushioned badly felt and sent to die in the net, spoiled his first match point. On the second, his backhand was sticking out a lot in width. Behind, he had to pull out a big serve to dismiss a break point. On the verge of cramps, Gasquet ended up giving in on Giron’s third break point which came down to 5-4, service to follow. In his chair, Gasquet seemed really touched physically. Exhausted, he dropped his serve for the second time and let Giron serve for the match (6-5). Giron did not need to do a ton to conclude against a Gasquet who could no longer make the effort to seek the services of his opponent.