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PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 02: Richard Gasquet of France congratulates Rafael Nadal of Spain on victory following their mens singles third round match during day seven of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros on June 2, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
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PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 02: Richard Gasquet of France congratulates Rafael Nadal of Spain on victory following their mens singles third round match during day seven of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros on June 2, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Twenty-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal is back on his favorite surface at Roland Garros. After winning his first-round match, he booked a meeting with local hero Richard Gasquet in the second round. They have faced each other 16 times and they have all gone in the Spaniard’s favor.
Rafael Nadal vs Richard Gasquet: Preview
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The Spanish superstar has come to Paris winning titles in Barcelona and Rome. He has beaten some of the best players on Tour during his journey at the tournaments.
During Rafael Nadal’s final against Novak Djokovic in Rome, he ended up on the winning side after holding composure during the key moments of the match.
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Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 1, 2021, Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his first-round match against Australia’s Alexei Popyrin REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
On the other hand, Richard Gasquet has been involved in a number of events lately; however, he has not managed to get the better of a top 10 player.
Nadal vs Gasquet: Head-to-Head
Both players have faced each other 16 times, and all the results went in Rafa’s favor. They have known each other for a long time and have been playing against each other since the juniors.
All their duels have been on the hard courts and clay courts. Their last match was at the French Open 2018, and the battle was won in straight sets with a convincing scoreline for the Spaniard, 6-3 6-2 6-2.
Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 1, 2021, France’s Richard Gasquet celebrates winning his first round match against France’s Hugo Gaston REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
Nadal vs Gasquet: Prediction
Rafa has been in tremendous form and whenever he arrives in the French capital, he always brings his A-game. Although Gasquet had an easy straight-set victory in the previous round, his second-round match is against one of the toughest competitors in the sport.
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#RolandGarros round 2: pic.twitter.com/g6ITongK67
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) June 1, 2021
If the Frenchman is to stand any chance against Rafa, he will have to play a clinical game. Also, he will need to commit fewer unforced errors. However, Nadal will be the favorite to win this match at the French Open 2021.
Prediction: Rafael Nadal to win in three sets.
