Richard Gasquet outlasts Tomas Berdych to reach semi-final at Rome Masters
France’s Richard Gasquet rallied from a set down to beat Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic in the quarterfinal match on Friday. The Frenchman showed his fighting spirit and wrapped up an emphatic 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory, in two hours
and eighteen minutes of play to step into the semi-finals of Rome Masters for the first time in his career.
It was highly unlikely that any surprise be felt over the way the in-form Czech went out of the tournament. Berdych was nowhere near his best performance and simply couldn’t match up to the pace of his competitor, who simply outplayed
him in every segment of the game. Berdych completely lacked the power and couldn’t make up with his opponent’s movements and acute angles. Gasquet was exceptionally well during the process and concluded the match with 8 aces and 53 percent of points in total.
The 25-year-old Czech had an impressive start to the game, firing two aces with 68 percent precision on first serve. He reeled off 21 of 28 service points in total to put his French opponent under immense pressure. Both contestants
continued to struggle hard and held their serves in first six games to tie the score at 3-3, before Berdych stung the first serve break to lead with 5-3. Berdych won 75 percent of points on his service, 34 percent of points on return and 54 percent of points
in total to take the first set 6-4.
However, the second set followed an immediate shift in the momentum when his French opponent roared back, breaking the Czech twice en route to a 4-0 lead. The Czech’s composure wavered along the way as he endured intense examination
from his opponent. The French pro scored two aces, while collecting 15 out of 21 serve points in the set. Both opponents went on to hold serve as the French pro succeeded to serve out the set, 6-2.
The crowd was eager and curious to watch the final showdown, and the players didn’t disappoint them. Both players exchanged heavy serve breaks to bring the score on even terms. The resurgent French ace immediately rattled off a
series of defensive shots which earned him another break to go 4-3. The pressure was back on Berdych’s shoulder as Gasquet was playing some of his great tennis. Striking a trademark backhand up the line on match point, the French pro was able to claim victory
in a game where he didn’t drop a single point. Gasquet finished the match with 65 percent on service, 43 percent on return and 54 percent of points in total.
Longing for a spot in the final, Gasquet will face world number one Rafael Nadal of Spain in the semi-final of the tournament. Nadal leads Gasquet in their head-to-head series, 8-0. If Gasquet wants to book his berth at the final
spot he needs to come up with some solid plans against the defending champion.
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