TENNIS FRENCH OPEN – It might be that Fernando Verdasco is back to his former self after this magnificent display of skill over Richard Gasquet. The former top ten player has lost his way it seems since getting to a career high ranking of 7 in the world in 2009. However, his 3rd round performance against the Frenchman might be sure signs that he is headed back to the upper echelon of the sport as he won 6-3 6-2 6-3. Cordell Hackshaw
Interviews, Results, OOP, Draws from the Roland Garros
It might be that Fernando Verdasco (24) is back to his former self after this magnificent display of skill over Richard Gasquet (12). The former top ten player has lost his way it seems since getting to a career high ranking of 7 in the world in 2009. However, his 3rd round performance against the Frenchman might be sure signs that he is headed back to the upper echelon of the sport as he won 6-3 6-2 6-3. What was most remarkable of about this victory was not the scoreline per se but simply the fact that Verdasco maintained this high level of play against a dangerous opponent over the course of two days as the match was suspended on Saturday due to poor light. Truth be told, Gasquet is dealing with a back injury but even he admitted the obvious of the match, “I think he just too good for me…It was tough for me and he deserve[s] this win.”
Verdasco came out firing on all cylinders. He broke Gasquet immediately in the opening game of the match and then went on to save break points for a 2-0 lead. Gasquet responded with a 3 game streak to get back on serve 3-2. However, Verdasco’s forehand was dictating play throughout as the Spaniard continued to press the issue and be rewarded with the next four games. He twice broke Gasquet to take the set 6-3. The Spaniard had 14 winners in that set compared to 4 from Gasquet. In the 2nd set, Verdasco was much more protective of his serve and waited patiently till the 6th game to begin his campaign to take the set from the Frenchman. He broke Gasquet for a 4-2 lead, held serve and then broke him again at love this time around to take the set 6-2. There seemed no stopping the Spaniard as even the French crowd realized that they were witnessing superior play on court. Verdasco missed one first serve, dropped five points on serve with 11 winners and 2 errors in all of the 2nd set.
By the time the 3rd set came around, the fading daylight was growing apparent. However, it was then that Gasquet looked to be shining as he broke early for a 2-0 lead. Verdasco recognizing the momentum shift quickly broke back to get to 2-2 before the match was suspended. The new day saw no change in Verdasco’s high level as he remained focus, patient and consistent on court. He was virtually unplayable at this point as Gasquet won only one game upon resumption of play. Verdasco took it 6-3 6-2 6-3. Verdasco had this to say after the match, “I’m very happy with the way I won this match. Generally speaking, I clearly did not expect to win with such a comfortable score 6 3, 6 2, 6 3 against Gasquet. I would have never imagined that. But yesterday I gave 100%, and everything went fine.” Verdasco next plays Andy Murray in the Round of 16. Murray took out Philipp Kohlschreiber in 5 sets 12-10 in the 5th set. In their 10 meetings, Verdasco has only beaten Murray once.
