Roland-Garros obviously gave him a boost. While he had not won a single match last season on grass (failing in the first qualifying round of Wimbledon), Hugo Gaston already has two this year. Interrupted by the rain on Wednesday when he was led 4-2 by Jenson Brooksby, 34th in the world, the young Frenchman had the last word on Thursday (3-6, 6-3, 7-5) after more than two and a half hours of combat (2h37 precisely) in the 2nd round at ‘S-Hertogenbosch. For the first time in 2022, he will play a quarter-final against Dutch guest Tim van Rijthoven (205th at ATP) who surprised Taylor Fritz (6-7, 7-5, 6-4).
In the end, it is not surprising that his touch on the ball and his hand in the short game pay off on grass. But it still had to be proven. Hugo Gaston is doing it in the Netherlands where he put in a notable performance against Jenson Brooksby. Author of an entry break, he had nevertheless seen his opponent take control of the game before the showers forced the two men to stop on Wednesday. When they returned to the court on Thursday, the American held his advantage to take the first set, but Gaston reacted to reset the counters to zero in stride.
ATP Rosmalen
Three games dropped and a match concluded in 55 minutes: Gaston, gun start on grass
06/06/2022 At 11:36
“In creativity, Gaston takes you on board, you want to follow him all the time”
A match point saved by Gaston, Mannarino in demonstration
The third act initially resembled the first like two drops of water: after having seized the opposing face-off, Gaston in turn accused a late break (3-6, 6-3, 2- 4). But he came back and resisted everything, even saving a match point on his left-handed service at 4-5, before aligning the last three games. The Frenchman was by far the most effective on the important points, saving no less than 11 break points out of 15.
And the day definitely smiled on the French since another more experienced left-hander, Adrian Mannarino, imitated Gaston. And with the manner moreover. He thus left only five small games (6-2, 6-3) to the seeded 4 of the tournament and 22nd world player Alex de Minaur in the 2nd round. The Australian did not last more than 1h20 on Dutch grass. In quarter, Mannarino will find the American Brandon Nakashima.
Roland-Garros
The fury was not enough: It’s over for Gaston and the Blues
05/28/2022 At 8:55 PM
Roland-Garros
Gaston with authority
05/26/2022 At 1:56 PM