TENNIS DAVIS CUP – Richard Gasquet and Jo- Wilfred Tsonga secured the first two points to give France a 2-0 lead in the famous Philippe Chatrier Court at the Roland Garros in Paris. Diego Sampaolo
The French team needs just one point to secure its spot in the first final since 2010. First Gasquet cruised to a three-set win over Tomas Berdych with 6-3 6-2 6-3. This year’s Toronto Master 1000 champion Jo Wilfred Tsonga eased past Lukas Rosol in three sets with 6-2 6-2 6-3
Gasquet showed that the choice made by French captain Arnaud Clement to prefer him over this year’s US Open quarter finalist Gael Monfils was the right one.
Gasquet dropped just five points on his serve in the first set and broke serve in the fourth game after Berdych missed four consecutive shots.
Gasquet clinched the first set with a backhand down the line before cruising to 3-0 in the second set. Berdych got a break in the fourth game. Gasquet broke early in the third set and held serve to take a 5-3 lead and clinched the match after Berdych committed a double fault
The Czech doubles team formed by rising star Jiri Vesely and Davis Cup hero Radek Stepanek will need a miracle to keep the hopes of the defending champions to defend their double titles won i 2012 and 2013.
“This is one of my best wins ever. The atmosphere was great. This is the Davis Cup at the Roland Garros and I beat a top player”, said Gasquet.
On the contrary Berdych, who lost against Marin Cilic last week at the US Open, committed 38 unforced errors. “I need more time to be better prepared but the tie is not over and I will keep fighting to be helpful for the team”, said Berdych
