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3/17/09 5:53 PM | James Munoz
In a match that has been indicative of Richard Gasquet's last few years, he failed to fight his way into the match against Fernando Verdasco.
Entering the match with a 4-1 career edge and an impressive victory over Michael Llodra in the previous round, Gasquet looked to be in good enough form to make this a match. Verdasco would have nothing of it as he dismantled and humiliated the Frenchman.
Verdasco for years was known as one of the most gifted players, who just didn’t have the consistency or composure to match his talent. Tremendous hard work in the off season is certainly paying dividends for him as working with among others Gil Reyes, Andre Agassi and Darren Cahill as improved his strength, confidence and form. With serves often topping 130 mph, and an extremely powerful forehand, he frustrated the talented Frenchman into submission early.
Verdasco was broken once during a rather loose game in a moment of distraction that would rarely be repeated. With the powerful first serve and nearly as impressive high kicking second serves, he kept Gasquet off balance and dominated nearly every rally. In all, Verdasco won 75% of his service points.
Gasquet was unable to match the intensity or power of his Spanish opponent. Serving a dismal six double faults and a mere 50% first serve only furthered the discrepancy between the two opponents. One key game in the second set included three double faults, which of course he was broken in. Looking for answers to the heavens was all the Frenchman could do on this day.
Gasquet’s prayers may not have been answered, but for those who wanted another player to challenge the big 4 of Nadal, Federer, Djokovic and Murray, they may have found one in Verdasco.
Up next for Verdasco is Philipp Kohlschreiber. Kohlschreiber leads the head to head 3-1.
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