Gasquet & Gonzales: Aussie Classic

Saturday morning I tuned into the Aussie open to take in one of the best matches I have seen in some time. Richard Gasquet of France the 22nd seed vs 12 seed Fernando Gonzales of Chile the 13 seed. Two of the most lethal shots in the game were on display. Gonzales' hugely powerful forehand, and Gasquet's deadly backhand. Only Federer might have a better forehand, but Gasquet's backhand, second to none.

I only started watching a tthe start of the 5th set to find Gasquet visably in pain with what looked to be a bad ankle, but he wasn't about to retire. So it looked like Gonzo was going to run him around and wear him down, but it wasn't to be. It was Gasquet who had the better break chances, as he was holding with relative ease. But everytime he needed a big point, Gonzales would either find a huge serve, or that forehand would come and bail him out.

And somewhat ironically, it was the Gasquet Forehand and Gonzo backhand that took center stage in the deciding game. Gonzales finally got the inevitable match point at 30-40 but Gasquet flipped an incredible crosscourt forehand that caught the line that left the whole crowd stunned. But after yet another run-around forehand winner for Gonzo, he made no mistake with his second match point. Carefully stepping into a backhand and taking it up the line leaving the hobbled Gasquet helpless.

What a match. 3-6. 3-6. 7-6. 6-2. 12-10. This match had it all, a great davis cup like atmosphere, with plenty of Les Bleus jerseys and Ale Richard chants to go around, coupled with your boisterious and often unruly Latin American Chilean contingent. I mean who knew there were so many Chileans in Australia. Or did they just come to see Gonzo? I guess its not that long of a flight for them, but still.

Gutty, gutsy performance from Gasquet. I was obviously rooting for him, especially after Gonzales was going all fred on the chair umpire after a questionable call or two.

And typical South American idiots setting off a flare after match point. Yeah, thats what you want to see in a Tennis Major. Nice reward for Gonzales though, he gets Nadal next.