Richard Gasquet, Simon Greul advance to the second round of Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell
Richard Gasquet defeats Juan Ignacio Chela 2-6, 7-6(2), 6-4
Ninth seeded Richard Gasquet of France came back from one set down to beat world number 40 Juan Ignacio Chela of Argentina in three thrilling sets 2-6, 7-6(2), 6-4 in the opening round at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell on Tuesday.
Gasquet needed two hours and 33 minutes to oust his opponent in a tough contest.
Gasquet was thrashed by Chela in the first set as the Frenchman was broken twice, losing the set 2-6. Gasquet was erratic with his second serves as he committed three double faults in the opening set. Chela delivered 76 percent
of the first serves, converting 64 percent of them into points in the first set.
Chela and Gasquet exchanged one break of serve in the second set to level the score at 6-6, forcing a tie-break. The French dominated the tie-break, winning it 7-2. Gasquet capitalized on the only break point opportunity he received
in the second set. The 24-year-old managed to save two of the three break points he faced in the second set.
In the deciding set, the Frenchman broke Chela in the ninth game and held his serve in the next game to claim the set 6-4. Gasquet hit a single ace and 53 percent of the first serves in the final set.
Gasquet will meet Blaz Kavcic of Slovakia in the second round.
Simon Greul beats Robert Kendrick 6-4, 6-4
World number 125, qualifier Simon Greul of Germany upset world number 84 Robert Kendrick of USA in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 to qualify for the second round.
The German needed a single break of serve to clinch the opening set 6-4. Greul hit 50 percent of the first serves and won 71 percent of the points on them in the first set. In comparison, Kendrick had a better first serve percentage
as the American delivered 69 percent of the first serves, converting 70 percent of the into points. The 31-year-old failed to save the only break point he faced in the first set.
Greul was looking to seal the match quickly as he broke Kendrick in the third game to take a 2-1 lead. However, the American broke back immediately to level the score at 2-2. Greul broke again in the ninth game and this time succeeded
in holding his serve in the next game, winning the second set 6-4. The German hit a single ace and did not commit any double fault in the second set.
The right-handed is drawn to play Canadian Milos Raonic, ranked 28th in the world, in the round of 32.
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