ATP Tour
Gasquet triumphs in France
2013-02-10 16:56
Montpellier - Frenchman Richard Gasquet beat compatriot Benoit Paire 6-2, 6-3 on Sunday in the Open Sud de France final to win his second title this season.
"It's fabulous to win two titles in a season, especially so early," Gasquet told Canal Plus television. "I'm very motivated for the remainder of the season. I hope I'll win some more titles this season."
Gasquet broke Paire twice for a 5-2 lead and took the opening set when a backhand return from Paire sailed wide.
The third-seeded Frenchman dropped serve once in the second set, but broke Paire three times. He clinched victory when Paire netted a backhand.
It is Gasquet's ninth career singles title. He also won the Qatar Open in January.
"I knew I could rely on my experience. He was playing his first final in France, it's always a tricky situation," Gasquet said. "Benoit is a very dangerous player. He has a very special game that can be disconcerting. Therefore I'm very happy to have won here in front of my friends and family."
Paire was appearing in only his second final on the main tour. He was a runner-up in Belgrade last year, losing in straight sets to Andreas Seppi of Italy.
"I rushed a lot of my shots," Paire said. "I thought about the final in Belgrade where things went bad for me. When I lost the first set 6-2, I told myself 'it's happening again.' I think the result is a bit normal. You must play a few finals to know how it feels."
Results on Sunday from the Open Sud de France at Park & Suites Arena (seedings in parentheses):Men's SinglesFinal
Richard Gasquet (3), France, def. Benoit Paire (8), France, 6-2, 6-3.
Men's DoublesFinal
Marc Gicquel, France, and Michael Llodra, France, def. Johan Brunstrom, Sweden, and
Raven Klaasen, South Africa, 6-3, 3-6, 11-9.