By Erik Gudris | Friday, July 3, 2015

 

Former Wimbledon semfinalist Richard Gasquet was solid in his defeat of last year's semifinalist Grigor Dimitrov.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Both men have reached the Wimbledon semifinals. Both men possess admired one-handed backhands. But it was France's Richard Gasquet who finds himself in the second week while Grigor Dimitrov is left to ponder what's next.

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Gasquet, who had not dropped a set in his last two matches, looked more focused and sharp right from the outset. Dimitrov failed to convert on three break points in the first set and that inability to take advantage of opportunities set the tone for the rest of the match. The No. 21 seed Gasquet soon claimed the opening set and then earned a break in the second set.

Dimitrov, seeded No. 11, once again found himself with two break opportunities in a pivotal game midway through the second set. But Gasquet, who reached the last four at Wimbledon in 2007, fought both off and that would be last time he'd face break points on his serve.

Gasquet served out the set 6-4 to take hold of a two sets to love lead.

Dimitrov's woes escalated in the third set when he faced an early break point. While up at net, Dimitrov elected not to hit a Gasquet passing shot thinking it would sail long. Instead it landed in and gave the Frenchman the advantage.

The final game, with Gasquet serving at 5-4, proved trickier than he would have liked. Gasquet leapt out to a 40-0 lead, but looking tense, allowed Dimitrov to get back to deuce thanks to a double fault. Dimitrov however couldn't connect with his own backhand and soon gave Gasquet a fifth match point.

Gasquet finally closed things out when Dimitrov hit a poor backhand reply. With that, Gasquet advanced 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

Dimitrov hit more winners than Gasquet, 36 compared to 21. Yet Dimitrov committed more unforced errors - 24 to just 13 from the Frenchman.

"I knew I could play well on grass. I have been to semifinals years before and my game is suited for this court. Dimitrov is one of the best players on this court so it is a great performance for me," Gasquet said right after to the BBC.

For Dimitrov, questions continue as to what direction he will take after yet another early exit at a major this year having lost in the opening round of Roland Garros just last month.

Gasquet now looks ahead to a rematch versus Australia's Nick Kyrgios in the fourth round. Kyrgios beat Gasquet in a five set comeback win at last year's Wimbledon.