Roger Federer vs. Richard Gasquet

“Hey, I won 5 matches at Wimbledon this year.” “Yeah? I won 6.”

This is not a good match-up for Richard Gasquet.  Despite a strong run at Wimbledon and Cincinnati, Gasquet is the decided underdog in this match.  Gasquet is quick enough that his game could elicit errors from Roger Federer.  If Federer doesn’t drown in a pool of his own errors, Gasquet doesn’t hit enough aces to pressure Roger for 3 of 5 sets.  Roger needs to play clean tennis and to take advantage of his stronger service game, but this is a straight forward set of objectives for the Swiss.

I am not exactly sure what else to say.  Neither player is a mystery to the other.  I like what Gasquet has done to become a more consistent performer on tour.  Gasquet is also healthy.  I just can’t see those factors being enough for Gasquet to win this match unless Roger sprays a lot of errors.  One of the bad things for Gasquet is that I think Roger enjoys playing him so the odds of Federer going off the grid seem low.

My Prediction: Roger Federer d. Richard Gasquet 7-6, 6-3, 6-3