Frenchman Richard Gasquet admits to surprising even himself at having won through to the third round without the loss of a set, given he has missed the entire clay-court season leading up to his home Grand Slam event. The French 12th seed has battled a back injury and is still working his way back to full strength but regrouped after letting a 4-2 first-set lead slip. But it didn’t last.
He was then able to down free-swinging Argentine Carlos Berlocq 7-6(5), 6-4, 6-4 on Philippe Chatrier Court.
“Obviously playing here just carries you. It’s the second time this year, and I have some experience. And with the crowd supporting you, it’s great. It was packed today. It helped me find a second stamina,” Gasquet said.
“I have been playing for 10 years, I have gathered experience, and when you’re injured for two months, it’s huge already. It’s awesome to be in the third round.”
Later on Suzanne Lenglen Court, Gasquet’s countryman, 23rd seed Gael Monfils continued the strong run for the home hopes on the main courts; the Frenchman easing past German Jan-Lennard Struff after a tense first set, 7-6(4), 6-4, 6-1 to secure a third round match-up with 14th seed Fabio Fognini.
The Italian earlier accounted for Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(2). Via rolandgarros.com
