Renowned for his habit of losing the important matches, talented Frenchman, Richard Gasquet, stepped it up at this year's US Open, hanging in tough to beat Canadian powerhouse, Milos Raonic. In a gruelling encounter that lasted four hours and 40 minutes, Richard showed much improved mental strength, recovering from one-set-to-two down to triumph 6-7,7-6,2-6,7-6,7-5.
The victory also marks a change of fortune for Gasquet who has a miserable 1-15 fourth round record in Slams. The only time he passed this stage was in 2007 at Wimbledon, where he lost in the semifinals to Roger Federer. At Flushing Meadows, the Frenchman has a good chance of equalling that performance as he goes on to face Spaniard David Ferrer next. Richard has the game and the talent to potentially win a major. However, so far, he couldn't quite challenge the big names. This year saw the rebirth of the Frenchman and maybe the success against Raonic is another huge step in the right direction. However, he really needs to overcome Ferrer to consolidate the great run.
Richard suffered a heart-breaking loss earlier this season, succumbing to Stan Wawrinka in the fourth round at the French Open, letting a two-sets-to-love lead go to waste. He learned from that defeat and the win against Raonic comes as a sort of consolation. The Frenchman was extremely motivated to get the win. At the press conference, he admitted having talked to himself throughout the match, saying “You need to win.” “I did it! And it’s a big victory for me,” declared an enthusiastic Richard. Well done, Gasquet! On to the semifinals!
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| Richard Gasquet showed much improved mental strength to overcome hot gun Canadian, Milos Raonic, 6-7,7-6,2-6,7-6,7-5 to reach his first quarterfinal at the US Open. |
photos: GETTY IMAGES
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