Frenchman Richard Gasquet came from a set behind to defeat Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov 2-6, 6-2, 6-1 on Stadium two to book his spot in round four of the BNP Paribas Open.
Fast start for Dolgopolov
Both players started the match by holding their serves to bring the set to 1-1. In the third game, Dolgopolov raced away to a 15-40 lead on Gasquet's service game. The Frenchman would save two break points, but would get broken at 40-adv hitting a forehand into the net. Dolgopolov consolidated the break, then found himself with more break point chances to go up a double break and take a big lead in the set. The world number 29 would eventually take his chances on his fourth break point to go up 2-5 in the set. With the Frenchman not yet tuned into the match, Dolgopolov served it out for a one set lead over the eight seed.
Gasquet comes alive
Dolgopolov came out and immediately put pressure on Gasquet, having break point chances to go up a game. At adv-40, Dolgopolov hit a forehand long and the world number 10 held after a lengthy rally. In the next game, Gasquet would create break chances, forcing Dolgopolov to make an error after another lengthy rally going the way of the Frenchman. The number one Ukrainian would save two break points, but would surrender the game with Gasquet cleverly dinking a shot over the net.
With the momentum shifting the way of the three-time Grand Slam semifinalist, Dolgopolov got back in the set and broke back immediately on his second chance when Gasquet hit a simple forehand into the net. The break wouldn't last long as Gasquet broke with "The Dog" hitting a forehand into the net. Gasquet then clinched the set four games later to level and send the match into a deciding set.
Dolgopolov fades away, Gasquet wins match
Gasquet and Dolgopolov both held their first service games of the set comfortably. The six-foot-one-inch Frenchman held his own serve to bring the third to 2-1. Gasquet would then take control of the match a game later, breaking the Dolgopolov serve with the Kiev-native smashing a forehand into the net for a 3-1 deficit. Gasquet consolidated and in the upcoming game would find himself with even more break point chances.
Dolgopolov would fail to find any rhythm in the set, serving a double fault in the seventh game to gift Gasquet a healthy 5-2 lead and a chance to serve it out for a place in the fourth round. The Frenchman had no problems holding his service game as he cruised to a 40-0 lead. He would win the point and seal victory to book his place in the next round. He will now face Marin Cilic, who had no problems defeating Leonardo Mayer in straight sets.
Final stats
Richard Gasquet won 82% of points on his first serve and only 36% on his second. He hit seven double faults and three aces throughout the match. The French saved 66 percent break points ( six out of nine) and took his chances breaking five out of ten chances. He would go on to win 53% of total points.
Dolgopolov won 73% behind his first serves and 36% behind his second (same as Gasquet). He would hit four double faults and 3 aces. The Ukrainian number one saved 50% of break point opportunities and take only 33%. He won 46% of total points.
