Synopsis
In a remarkable first-round match at the Marseille Open, Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan defeated Richard Gasquet, marking a significant milestone in Bublik's career while also signaling the end of Gasquet's professional journey.Key Takeaways
- Bublik ended Gasquet's career in the Marseille Open.
- Gasquet plans to retire after the French Open.
- Bublik achieved his 100th hard court win.
- Gasquet is the youngest winner in Marseille's history.
- Bublik will next face defending champion Humbert.
Marseille (France), Feb 11 (NationPress) In a stunning display of skill, Alexander Bublik from Kazakhstan brought an end to the remarkable career of France's beloved Richard Gasquet during the opening round of the Marseille Open on Tuesday afternoon. Gasquet, who plans to retire from tennis after the upcoming French Open, was bested by Bublik with a score of 6-4, 6-4, marking Bublik's 100th victory on hard courts in the ATP tour.
In other matchups at the event, Luca Van Assche of France triumphed over fellow countryman Benjamin Bonzi in a thrilling contest that lasted two hours and 11 minutes, ending 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(7). Additionally, Daniel Altmaier of Germany secured a convincing win against France's Luca Nardi with a score of 6-2, 6-2 on Court 1.
Bublik's victory over Gasquet featured crucial breaks of serve in the second-to-last game of each set, allowing him to close out the match emphatically, winning the final game to love for a quick 82-minute first-round victory.
After initially falling behind 0-3, Bublik found his rhythm, showcasing an aggressive style of play that yielded 37 winners, including 13 aces. The ATP No. 48 converted three out of five break points during the match, as noted by Infosys ATP Stats.
Gasquet, a former World No. 7, holds the record as the youngest match winner in Marseille history, achieving this feat at just 16 years old against Feliciano Lopez in 2003. Now at 38, he aimed to cap his final appearance at the tournament by becoming its oldest match winner. However, Bublik's performance proved too strong as he settled into the match.
“Gasquet has had a spectacular career spanning 20 years with 1,012 matches. I don’t believe I could ever reach such a milestone,” remarked Bublik, acknowledging Gasquet’s legacy as he nears retirement. “It must feel incredible to play one last match in Marseille after so many years. I wish him a wonderful retirement. Although he has a few more events left, this moment is about him. He’s a legend of French tennis, and I wish him all the best.”
The four-time ATP Tour champion Bublik will face another French player next, meeting Ugo Humbert, the second seed and defending champion. This match will mark their second head-to-head encounter after Humbert's victory in the 2024 Dubai Championship.
