French Open 2021: Rafael Nadal vs Richard Gasquet Preview, Head to Head and Prediction for Roland Garros

Rafael Nadal, third seed at French Open 2021 will face the Frenchman, Richard Gasquet in the second round clash on Thursday. The Spaniard is the defending champion in Paris, and will look forward to claim his 14th title in Paris this year.

Match Details:

Rafael Nadal vs Richard Gasquet: Match Preview

Rafael Nadal came into the French Open 2021, on the back of a successful campaign in Rome. The Spaniard claimed the Italian Open title, defeating Novak Djokovic in the finals. The third seed also won the Barcelona Open title last month, and is playing with some confidence at the moment. He defeated the Australian, Alexei Popyrin in straight sets in the first round in Paris. Nadal was in a spot of bother in the third set, after he was a break down. However, he managed to hold his nerve and clinch the set and match in a tiebreaker.

Richard Gasquet defeated fellow Frenchman, Hugo Gaston in the first round clash at French Open 2021. Gasquet put up a dominant show, and won in straight sets to ease into the second round. The 34-year old last played at the Parma Challenger where he was defeated in the quarterfinals by Jaume Munar.

Rafael Nadal vs Richard Gasquet: Head-to-Head

The duo have faced against each other on 17 occasions, with Rafael Nadal having the clear edge over the Frenchman. Nadal leads the head to head encounter by a score line of 16-1. They last met in the third round of French Open 2018, where the Spaniard won in straight sets. The duo also faced each other in the third round of French Open in 2005, where Nadal again won in straight sets.

Rafael Nadal vs Richard Gasquet: Match Prediction

Rafael Nadal is the certain favorite to win the second round encounter. The Spaniard is yet to drop a set in Paris in his last eight matches, and was dominant in his victory over Alexei Popyrin. The two players are no strangers to each other, as they have faced each other on 17 occasions. However, the third seed is in much better shape compared to the Frenchman, who has often struggled with injuries.

Rafael Nadal has worked on his serve in leadup to the French Open 2021, and was broken just once in the last match against Popyrin. Richard Gasquet will have to do the unthinkable, if he is to challenge the Spaniard.

Match Prediction: Rafael Nadal to win in straight sets

Also Read: French Open 2021: Ann Li vs Elina Svitolina Preview, Head to Head and Prediction for Roland Garros

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