MONACO - Former world No. 7 Richard Gasquet outplays Italian Matteo Arnaldi in a hard-fought three-setter to progress into the second round at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters in his last appearance on Sunday.
The Monte-Carlo Country Club witnessed a remarkable two-hour, 34-minute battle between wild card Richard Gasquet and Italian player Matteo Arnaldi for a place in the second round at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.
On a cloudy Sunday, the Frenchman shone brightly at the first Masters 1000 event of the season contested on clay, earning a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory to keep his last dance at the tournament going strong.
The Match as It Happened
Gasquet broke to open proceedings on Court Rainier III in his first meeting with Arnaldi at tour level.
Following a tight second game, the Italian recovered lost ground, breaking straight back and holding to inch ahead 2-1.
A double fault cost the 24-year-old high, as the Frenchman converted a double break to come out on top at 3-2, putting to good use his all-round game.
A balance contest continued to unfold as the 16-time ATP titlist backed his break to extend his advantage to 4-2.
Then, Arnaldi found momentum at the net, showcasing his ability to serve and volley, generating some spectacular shotmaking to hold his ground.
However, the French wild card, a three-time Masters 1000 runner-up, reacted fast, moving forward in style to neutralize his opponent, to the delight of the fans.
Moreover, he executed his trademark one-handed backhand with finesse to power past the Sanremo native 6-3 after breaking in the ninth game to secure the opening set in his favor in 41 minutes.
The world No. 39 found breathing room in the first game of the second set as his adversary hit two double faults. Nonetheless, the Beziers-born, making his last appearance at the tournament, fought back, holding his nerve to fend off three breakpoints, leading 1-0.
But Arnaldi kicked a level while applying pressure on his rival, who saved a break point in the third game to stay the course.
Fine margins separated the players, splitting three games each. But then, the Italian found an edge, displaying his high-quality forehand to notch the break in the seventh game, which would prove pivotal on his way to even the score one set apiece, forcing a decider.
The player coached by Alessandro Petrone made a difference with his serve, winning 78 percent of the points on his first delivery.
Furthermore, he did not face a break point throughout the second set.
A lengthy opening game of the third set saw Gasquet, a three Grand Slam semifinalist, coming back from a 15-40 deficit, fending off three breakpoints, and powering through six battles at deuce to hold 1-0.
The set went on serve until Gasquet took a clinical break in the eighth game.
When the match was leaning on the Frenchman’s side, a magnificent effort by the Italian player saw him going the distance, breaking back, narrowing the gap to 4-5.
A double fault at a crucial moment cut Arnaldi’s chances short as the 38-year-old broke serve in the 10th game and wrapped up 6-4, advancing to the second round at the venue.
He fired 32 winners against 28 unforced errors compared to the Italian’s 35 and 53, respectively.
In addition, he won 71 percent of the points on his first serve.
His next opponent will surge from the match between Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime and German qualifier Daniel Altmaier, who beat French player Pierre-Hugues Herbert, punching his ticket into the main draw on Sunday.
