WATCH: Richard Gasquet shows unmatchable flexibility against Alexander Shevchenko days after his massive Holger Rune defeat

The former World No. 7 put on a vintage display to knock out the in-form Kazakh.

WATCH: Richard Gasquet shows unmatchable flexibility against Alexander Shevchenko days after his massive Holger Rune defeat

Richard Gasquet in action against Alexander Shevchenko (Images via Open Source)

World No. 126 Richard Gasquet just proved he’s not running on empty. The French veteran is currently at the ongoing 2024 Qatar Open in Doha playing on a wildcard. Ranked 126th currently, he justified his wildcard during the first round itself.

The 37-year-old was playing against the ‘new’ Kazakhstani player Alexander Shevchenko in the duo’s first-ever career meeting. Shevchenko was riding high on form following his quarter-final run at last week’s ATP-500 event in Rotterdam.

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It was his second quarter-final appearance on the Tour in his last three appearances. The Kazakh recorded his biggest career win, in terms of rankings, when he secured an upset over third-seeded Holger Rune in Rotterdam. He defeated the Dane in three sets knocking the tournament favorite out in the second round.

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Gasquet however showed his class to the youngster during the clash. Serving for the first set at 5-4 with both players locked at 30-30, the two engaged in a short but brilliant rally. Shevchenko got on the Frenchman’s backhand and he fired the rare single-handed backhand right across the court.

Shevchenko got to it in time and fired a return wider to his previous shot. As a result, Gasquet was not in the cameraman’s frame when he hit another of his trademark backhand. This one was down the line and rapid that saw the Kazakh struggle to reach in time and eventually won the point for Gasquet.

Richard Gasquet registers his first ATP Tour win in Doha

Coming into the tournament, Gasquet was on a four-match losing streak. He started his 2024 season in Auckland but lost in the first round. His fortune didn’t change at his next three appearances.

Richard Gasquet
Richard Gasquet (via IMAGO)

These included the 2024 Australian Open, the Open Sud de France in Montpellier followed by the Open 13 in Marseille. With back-to-back defeats on home turf, not many expected Gasquet to record a win in Doha either.

He however shut down all his critics as he won the match 6-4, 6-4 against Shevchenko. He had earlier made the finals in the Challenger event in Manama last week and certainly used that practice today to register his maiden match win of the season on the Tour.

Things will now get difficult for him. In the next round, he will go head-to-head against top-seeded Andrey Rublev. The Russian has been in good touch and will certainly prove to be a big test for the former World No. 7.

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