Gasquet beats Safin in opening round masterclassposted Wednesday Oct 25, 2006 12:00am by Andre Jones
In a match that will probably not be equalled for sheer quality of shotmaking from both players, Richard Gasquet finally saw off his nemesis Marat Safin 6-4 7-6(5), claiming his first victory in four attempts.
Although the vociferous crowd were predominantly in favour of Gasquet, there were also plenty of vocal support for the former world number 1 whose calm demeanour for most of the match reflected the growing inner confidence that stems from his significantly improved results and in turn improved ranking in recent weeks.
With both men hitting at a furious pace and the majority of the rallies ending in breathtaking winners rather than losers, this match was up there with the very best of 2006.
Gasquet's flashing backhand and highly efficient forehand tempered only slightly by the bludgeoning power of the Russian's drives off both wings made for a fascinating spectacle for every tennis fan to savour.
Having saved two break points serving at 2-3, Safin found himself under pressure again serving to stay in the set at 4-5 and 0-30 following a sublime Gasquet backhand pass that was struck so firmly that it ricocheted off the Russian's racquet. A defensive lob from Safin that landed long two points later set up double set point which the Russian saved with an ace and a forehand winner respectively. Another Gasquet backhand pass set up a third set point which the Frenchman took when Safin went marginally wide off a heavily sliced forehand return.
The second set saw no breaks of serve as both players served their way out of trouble when necessary, especially Safin who twice found himself match point down serving at 5-6 after failing to convert
a break point at 5-5. He extricated himself first with a backhand volley winner and a huge forehand drive winner struck purposefully down the line which Gasquet at full stretch could not control on the backhand side.
The tiebreaker saw Gasquet take control and race into a 4-1 lead, showing the greater control and patience off the ground. The Frenchman got a further 3 match points at 6-3 after Safin going for too much went long on the forehand.
Although Gasquet was unable to take the match in the next two points, Safin was unable to save a fifth match point when the Frenchman served a huge service winner that Safin was convinced was wide.
"I don't know if Marat played his best tennis today, but I played a great match", said a delighted Gasquet. "Everything worked well; the backhand, the serve and the concentration which was the key to the match."
Gasquet admitted to being a bit nervous taking on the Russian in the opening round when he first saw the draw.
"I was a little bit afraid", he admitted. "He is one of the best players, especially on this court. But I just wanted to enjoy the match in such a great atmosphere that we have here."
Safin believed that Gasquet had played one of his best matches.
"Definitely he played one of his greatest matches", Safin said. "He was serving well at important moments, swinging the backhand all over the place, he didn't give any presents at important moments; I didn't really choke, he was doing everything right. I made a couple of mistakes at important moments, I can't complain but I have to say the last ball, the serve, was way wide, way out and I'm pissed off that the umpire didn't overrule this one. Otherwise he played a great match."
Safin is looking forward to Paris Bercy which is one of his favourite events.
"I'm really hoping for a good draw next week. Next week is my tournament, my favourite tournament probably. I will be playing much better, but I need to have a good draw."
Having recently split with ex-coach Peter Lundgren, Safin revealed that he had received a call from the Swede after he had accepted a Davis Cup coaching position from the British LTA.
"He called me a couple of days ago and told me; I'm totally cool, we are still friends. It's been the nicest break from each other when business-wise things didn't work. But as for the relationship, I still love him. I still think that he is a great coach, a great person which is the most important quality. Difficult to find great people in such an ugly world. I was very pleased to work with him, spending two years of my life with him and I wish him all the best. We are still going to see each other next year; I've invited him to come with me to Moscow for the Davis Cup final, so we have a good relationship. Unfortunately we have to separate our ways."
As to a replacement for Lundgren, Safin is happy to take his time in making a decision.
"I am travelling now with Alexander (Volkov) until the end of the year. Then I will have one and a half months to think about somebody available."
Yevgeny Kafelnikov?
"No, no, no (laughing). Too much. But I will have a couple of ideas in my head; have to think and understand also that when you are spending a part of your life with someone you have to be very relaxed with somebody not too pushy. I'm going to be 27, my ninth year on the ATP tour, so I have to find somebody cool who knows what he's doing to support me mentally and make me step up a little bit, and help me get back to the top 10; improve something in my game because there are still a few holes. Even though my ranking has picked up a little bit I still have to improve a lot of things, so I have to find somebody right for these things."
Andre Jones
Palais de Sports Gerland
Lyon
www.inside-tennis.net/index.php?action=news&id=2173
I`m so sorry for Marat!!! I wsih he could reach the finals! Never mind! He is tired maybe 
Have a rest,Maratik!!! 
You are the best!!!!
Sixpack guard 
