Richard Gasquet sets up clash against ‘best player in the world’ Roger Federer

ATP Tour
Richard Gasquet celebrates

Richard Gasquet saw off the challenge of Alejandro Davidovich Fokina to earn a second-clash encounter against Roger Federer at the Madrid Open.

The Frenchman, who was making his return to tennis after a five-month layoff due to groin surgery, claimed a battling 7-5, 7-6 (7-5) win over the wildcard Davidovich Fokina in just under two hours.

His reward is a date with fourth seed Federer, who will be playing his first match on clay since the 2016 season.

“It will be tough, Roger Federer is the best player in the world,” Gasquet told Ubitennis. “I will just try to recover and play my best against him.”

His compatriot Gael Monflis also advanced as the 15th seed was in cruise control as he secured a 6-3, 6-1 win over Andreas Seppi in just 55 minutes.

In the final match of the day, Fernando Verdasco was made to work for his win as he required more than two hours to beat Radu Albot 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.

The Spaniard’s will face 11th seed Karen Khachanov, who beat Juame Munar 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3.

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