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10/28/09 8:52 PM | Cheryl Murray
Russian veteran Marat Safin defeated the toughest of first-round opponents in France’s Richard Gasquet on Wednesday in front of his countrymen in St. Petersburg.
The tournament in St. Petersburg offered up a first-round match that would have done well as a final. Former world No. 1 and retiring champion Marat Safin took on former top 10 player Richard Gasquet.
Safin drew first blood in the opening set. Gasquet’s first-serve percentage hovered around the 50% mark and the Russian was able to take advantage to take the lead. Safin could not hold on to the break, however. The Frenchman broke back to level the set, after which each man held with ease en route to a tiebreaker.
The Russian took the first point of the tiebreak on Gasquet’s serve, but immediately donated both points on his own serve back to the Frenchman. Gasquet also proved incapable of holding onto the lead, as Safin earned the mini-break back again to draw level. Safin was able to hold onto both of his points to earn a set point at 5-6 on Gasquet’s serve. The Frenchman faltered with a forehand, and Safin took the set.
The second set featured a series of missed opportunities for both players. Gasquet had four chances to break Safin’s serve early in the set, but was unable to convert any of them. Safin was 0 for 4 on break-point chances himself, until 4-5 on Gasquet’s serve. The Frenchman got in a quick 0-40 hole, and Safin’s only break of serve in the set earned him the straight-set victory.
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Sorry I wouldn't see such a match, interesting mix of styles here, the power strokes of Safin and the elegant Gasquet, well done to Safin. Its funny though as both these players have melt downs in matches! Looking forward to see the Great Safin in Paris where sadly he will retire. *snobs*
afrodite7 , 10/28/09 10:49 PM