Dimitrov G. vs Gasquet R. will be the first round of this year’s ATP Paris tournament. We have two very experienced players, who recently are showing different results. While Grigor reached the semi-finals in Indian Wells and there lost against Norrie, Gasquet is choosing ATP Challengers and is not showing his best so far. To have more insights on this game, please read our preview below.
Dimitrov Grigor
In the past month, Dimitrov is once again showing why he might always be considered the dark horse. In his last 10 games on hard he lost only three against Tsitsipas, Ruud and Norrie. However, he managed to defeat Hurkacz, Opelka, Karatsev, Fucsovics and in an epic comeback Medvedev. Grigor is showing the right mindset and is once again playing as he used when he was at his peak. With good serve he is trying to finish point with 2-4 hits. If it does not work, he goes to rallies and is not afraid to risk going to the net. Considering that Gasquet is not in his best condition, this match should not make any problems to Dimitrov.
Gasquet Richard
Richard’s form is far from his best. His last tournaments was in Challengers where could not manage to show his best game. Moreover, he recently pulled out due to injury, which gives concerns if he is fit to play already or did he just needed time to prepare for Paris. Nevertheless, he is facing much more dangerous opponent, although they faced many times, hard to imagine how Gasquet could win this match. All he has left is a strong serve and backhand, but his accuracy and speed is nothing like it used to be. Therefore, we should see him taking risks, making more drop shots and going to the net, but it won’t be helpful against way faster and more accurate opponent. The only advantage Gasquet has is the home crowd, but knowing Dimitrov’s concentration in recent games, this should not be the game-changing advantage.
Dimitrov G. vs Gasquet R. H2H
Both players faced each other 5 times on hard, Gasquet won the first two meetings but lost the next three and this might be another advantage for Dimitrov.