GASQUET FALLS SHORT

Richard Gasquet has been defeated by Ze Zhang of China in the second round of the China Open. Zhang won the match by 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. With this victory, he has made his way into the quarterfinals of the competition.

Zhang has been given entry into this tournament through wild card. He had performed well in the first round match, but, the second round match was going to be very tough for him as he was going to face Richard Gasquet who came into this tournament after winning the Thailand Open. Gasquet was expected to go past Zhang with ease, but, the 22 years old Chinese youngster backed himself and pulled off a great upset.

After winning the match, Zhang said, “I came into the match as an underdog. I had nothing to lose. Everybody was expecting Gasquet to win the match. So, I played without any pressure. I tried to keep myself composed and that paid off. I am delighted to have defeated a top quality player like Richard.”

On the other hand, Gasquet hailed Zhang for his calm attitude in the match. The Frenchman said, “Zhang was fantastic in today’s match. He is a talented youngster who has got a very cool head on his shoulders. He served well and was superb from the baseline. He deserved to win the match.”

Both the players held their service in the first 8 games of the first set. But, Zhang sneaked a breakthrough in the ninth game and then, sealed the set by serving out the 10^th game.

Gasquet made a comeback by winning the next set. The Frenchman started well in the final set as well and won the first two games. But, he lost the momentum after that. His service was broken in the 4^th and the 10^th game and he lost the match.

In the quarter final match, Zhang will play against Florian Mayer of Germany.