Speculation has been rife that Richard Gasquet will announce his retirement at the French Open.
Richard Gasquet is not done yet
Despite speculation that Gasquet will announce his retirement in Paris, the Frenchman shows no signs of slowing down. The 35 year old is playing well and clay certainly suits the current top 100 player. Preparation for Roland Garros was superb. Gasquet played the Geneva Open and made the semi final without dropping a set.
Geneva Open
In the first round in Switzerland, Gasquet demolished Australian John Millman. The Frenchman dominated from the start, breaking Millman to take the first set. The second was a stroll for Gasquet, the 35 year old lost only one game and set up a meeting with the top seed.
The second round was an encounter with Daniil Medvedev. The top seed should have been able to walk through the match, in theory. However, Gasquet surprised the top seed, dominating the first set and breaking Medvedev with ease. Although the second was closer the Frenchman edged the tiebreak to move into the next round.
Kamil Majchrzak was the opponent in the quarter final. The Pole had taken out the eighth seed in the first round, and so could not be taken for granted. Gasquet put Majchrzak in his place though, taking the first set with ease. Having broken more or less at will, the Frenchman had the first set in the bag quickly. The second set was a little closer, but again Gasquet secured the break.
Portuguese Joao Sousa was a little step too far in the semifinal. Gasquet just wasn’t able to find his game against Sousa. The Portuguese dominated both sets, and made the final before losing out to Casper Ruud.
French Open
This will be the first meeting between Gasquet and Sebastian Korda. Although the American is seeded, Gasquet’s form leading up to Paris has been much better. Korda has lost early in the lead up events, but Gasquet has generally gone quite deep.
The match will be a good watch, but Gasquet is likely to be the victor and move on into the third round.
Main Photo from Getty.