ATP Rolex Paris Masters – Richard Gasquet knocked out in the first round by Zizou Bergs for his last Bercy

Paris and Richard Gasquet, it’s almost over. The Biterrois, who announced his retirement at the end of the next Roland Garros, was eliminated in the first round of his last Rolex Paris Masters. At 38, Gasquet suffered against a very good Zizou Bergs (6-3, 6-4 in 1h20). Lucky loser, the Belgian was rewarded by his audacity even if he had a few moments of doubt which Gasquet was unable to overcome.

How immense it is, 17 participations here in Bercy. Richard Gasquet would undoubtedly have liked to return to the court another day of the week, but ZIzou Bergs was too hungry. It must be said that the 25-year-old Belgian was only invited after Flavio Cobolli’s withdrawal. The 65th player in the world, who is much better on a day like this, did not give Richie time to savor his der’. Nor to the public at the Accor Arena who woke up late.

Offensive, enterprising, powerful, Zizou Bergs started the game in the best possible way. After breaking very early, he rolled out thanks to a perforating forehand (27 winning shots in total), a way of asphyxiating his opponent and sometimes even disgusting him with a few drop shots. Gasquet, who suffered in the game and physically, continued to encourage himself when he had opportunities.

Trailing 5-3 in the first set, the Biterrois, now n°133 at the ATP, offered himself two break points, finding some solutions in return, also helped by his opponent’s alternating current service. Bergs had no doubts and ended up taking the first round.

Trailing but not decided to give up, Gasquet came back very strong in the 2nd set, easily winning his serve before obtaining 3 new break points. Once again, the Belgian did not panic so as not to fall behind in the score on this air gap. And this, despite the good variation of the Habs, who still sent us some setbacks of which he has the secret, and which we will certainly miss. Without a doubt, it was the player in the best shape who triumphed this Tuesday. Always energetic, Zizou Bergs shone with his power while his opponent has already launched his farewell tour. In the next round, the 65th in the world will find on his way another veteran of French tennis in the person of Adrian Mannarino (36 years old).