Laurent Rouchette dodges Simon Cauvard in final qualifying round – Orleans Challenger 2011
Two Frenchmen, Laurent Rouchette and Simon Cauvard, went head to head in the final qualifying round of the Orleans Challenger Tournament, hosted in France, on Sunday October 16th. The first encounter between the two
country mates was one of the most exciting battles of the final qualifying round that lasted two hours and nine minutes. Eventually, World No. 378, Rouchette defeated the World No. 774, Cauvard, in straight sets with a final score of 7-6(3), 7-6(5).
Coming with a dismal performance in previous ten matches, both players were looking to regain some esteem by improving their stats and more importantly placing a berth in the main draw of the tournament. Rouchette and Cauvard and
won just four and three matches respectively in their last ten encounter. It was a good chance for both of them to make a mark and extend their tour.
A mismatch on paper was a perfect match at pitch. The score line doesn’t do justice to Cauvard who was extremely sound on the court and gave the toughest time to his country mate. The 23-year-old, Rouchette, was tested to limit
before he could confirm his place in the first round of the tournament.
Both sets were a neck to neck combat; the difference in ranking proved worthless because Cauvard looked better with his composure at some stages and forced his counterpart to commit unforced errors. It was a battle of the fitness
and temperament.
First set was a delight for every one present at the arena. Both players broke each other’s serve once but the most exciting stat was seven electrifying aces from World No. 774. The set was extended to a tie-breaker by Cauvard
who was looking threatening at that stage.
Rouchette held his nerves and showed his talent; clinched the first set with a difference of just eight points and registered 54% total points wining rate. He had an impressive first serve points winning rate of 82% but Cauvard
was not far behind with 76%.
Second set was the carbon copy of what everyone saw in the first set. One successful break point for both players but this time Rouchette struck three aces compared to two of Cauvard. Another tie-breaker was forced but this time
by the match favourite 23-year-old, Rouchette.
Once again skill proved handy and the 23-year-old sealed the second set with a difference of just three points; winning 52 points. The epic resistance from the 24-year-old was finally brought to a halt. Crowd gave standing ovation
to both the players after the match and players responded by waving them back.
It was one of the most exciting battles of the final qualifying round. Rouchette will once again meet his country mate, this time the sixth seed, Stephane Robert in the first round of the tournament.
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