By Erik Gudris | Saturday, June 21, 2014

 

Feliciano Lopez earned his second grass court title and first ever win over Richard Gasquet at the Aegon International final at Eastbourne.

Photo Credit: Getty

Grass court specialists may not exist anymore in this century. But if there's a leading contender for that designation during the lead up to this year's Wimbledon, it may just be Spain's Feliciano Lopez.

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Tasting disappointment in a three set loss during the Queen's Club final last weekend, Lopez sought a better ending at this week's Aegon International at Eastbourne. Lopez entered as defending champion and looked to repeat against top seed Richard Gasquet of France in Saturday's final.

On paper at least, Lopez's chances looked somewhat dim considering he had never beaten the Frenchman in five previous attempts. But with this being their first meeting in over four years, and their first ever on grass, expectations were high this would be an entertaining final.

Both men didn't disappoint. Lopez took hold of an early break lead in the opening set. Not looking back, Lopez soon closed out the set 6-3.

Yet Gasquet, whose own stylish game looks perfect on a grass court, wasn't ready to concede. With a backhand pass that Lopez couldn't handle, Gasquet roared with delight at finally breaking the Spaniard for 4-3 in the second set.

That celebration didn't last long as Lopez soon broke back with a deft backhand volley winner for 4-all. Though Lopez looked poised to perhaps close out the match in straight sets, Gasquet soon forced a tiebreak.

A helpful net cord would give Gasquet a 4-2 lead in the breaker. Lopez continued his trips up to net but Gasquet would squeeze a high forehand pass away from Lopez creating a set point. Gasquet would convert on the next point when Lopez netted a volley.

Now with the match tied at a set all, Lopez looked the more agitated heading into the third set. After being docked for a time violation on his serve, Lopez responded with an angry hold for 1-all. Both men stayed even with each other with often sublime shotmaking. Gasquet would find winners with his forehand while Lopez struck perfect shot volley winners when presented the opportunity.

Another tiebreak looked inevitable between the two evenly matched players. But it was Gasquet who gifted two wayward forehands late at 5-all. That resulted in a break for Lopez who soon served for the title.

Back to back aces from Lopez in the final game allowed him to clinch the 6-3, 6-7(5), 7-5 win. With that, Lopez dropped to the court in relief and joy.

Eastbourne is now the fourth career title of Lopez's career.

"We played an incredible match today. Richard you are such an incredible player," Lopez said during the trophy ceremony. "To play against this backhand is such a pleasure."

Lopez is now the first player to reach consecutive grass court finals before Wimbledon since 2001 when Lleyton Hewitt and Thomas Johansson did the same feat that year.