Novak Djokovic, Richard Gasquet, Tennis Picks, Tennis Predictions, Wimbledon

Wimbledon 2015: Return of the King or Recapturing Promise – Djokovic vs. Gasquet Prediction

Posted by Dan Martin on

Gasquet will need to make judicious approaches to the net to have a chance

[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) v [21] Richard Gasquet (FRA)

Novak Djokovic is one way away from his 4th Wimbledon final in 5 years.  Novak won the big trophy in 2011 and 2014 and finished as a runner-up in 2013.  Richard Gasquet has reached his second Wimbledon semifinal and plays some of his best tennis on grass.  Novak is a heavy favorite being #1 in the world and the defending champion at Wimbledon.  Novak beat Gasquet so thoroughly in Paris that Gasquet described Novak’s tennis as being something close to perfect.  Gasquet conquered the last man to defeat Novak Djokovic in his quarterfinal match and vowed to play better than he did in Paris.  What will happen?

Gasquet’s Game vs. Nole’s Game

 

Richard Gasquet has a solid serve, moves well, and hits a masterful one-handed backhand.  Gasquet possesses nice hands and good variety in his game.  Novak moves as well as anyone in tennis.  His return of serve is the best on tour.  He also hits the best two-handed backhand on tour.  Novak’s serve is probably slightly heavier than Richard’s.  The problem for Gasquet is his serve relative to Novak’s serve has to then be factored by who is returning each of these serves.  Novak should be able to get his teeth into multiple Gasquet service games per set. Richard will likely have one good look at a service break per set.  That means Richard must simultaneously win many key points on his service game and not squander many break chances he earns against Nole.

 

What I think Will Happen

 

My guess is that Gasquet will compete hard and try to mix things up versus the world #1.  I also think Novak’s movement and returns will force Richard to play most points on Novak’s terms.  That is a bad situation for Gasquet.  Unless Richard has a career serving day and plays incredibly clutch tennis, he is likely to lose in straight sets.  I think the three out of five set format almost insures Novak’s spot in the final because the world #1 should be able to adapt in time to anything Gasquet throws at him.  This is no insult to Richard Gasquet, but his game matches up poorly with Novak Djokovic’s game.  The world #1 has faced a tricky draw throughout the fortnight, but he clearly has the best semifinal situation as compared to the other 3 competitors still alive in the draw.

 

Novak Djokovic d. Richard Gasquet 6-3, 6-4, 6-3

 

Djokovic’s defensive skills and ability to move around the court are just two reasons why he is my pick to win this semifinal

One Comment Add yours

  1. jane's avatar jane says:
    July 9, 2015 at 7:44 PM

    i hope novak can make another final. but even if he does i don’t think it’ll be straight sets. i think it’ll be 4 for sure. gasquet is serving well and his defense and fitness were a revelation in the stan match.

    Reply

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