Richard Gasquet qualified for the semi-finals of the ATP 250 tournament in Antwerp on Friday by defeating Belgian David Goffin in straight sets 6-2, 7-6 (8/6). The Héraultais, 82nd player in the world, will face for a place in the final the Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime (10th).
This is the first time that Richard Gasquet has reached the last four of a tournament on the main circuit since the Geneva tournament last May. He was then sharply beaten by the Portuguese Joao Sousa in two sets 6-2 6-2.
Friday, facing an opponent he had beaten only once in their four previous confrontations, Gasquet took control by seizing the service of the former world No.7, today ranked 58th, in the 4th game of the first set and on his fourth break point.
The French veteran, who had dismissed three match points when he entered the tournament against Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka, broke his opponent a second time at 5-2 and took the lead after 36 minutes of play.
The second set was more contested. David Goffin got a total of six break points and a set point in the decisive game, without being able to convert them. The French took advantage of his first match point to clear the obstacle in 1 hour and 53 minutes of play.
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Quarter-finals (men’s singles):
- Dominic Thiem (AUT) bat Hubert Hurkacz (POL/N.1) 3-6, 7-6 (11/9), 7-6 (7/4)
- Sebastian Korda (USA) bat Yoshihito Nishioka (JPN/N.8) 6-0, 6-2
- Richard Gasquet (FRA) beats David Goffin (BEL) 6-2, 7-6 (8/6)
- Félix Auger-Aliassime (CAN/N.2) beat Daniel Evans (GBR/N.5) 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2
The other semi-final will pit the American Sebastian Korda against the Austrian Dominic Thiem, who confirmed his gradual return to the fore by eliminating the Pole Hubert Hurkacz, seeded N.1 of the tournament and 11th player in the world.
Written with AFP.
