By Erik Gudris | Sunday, October 23, 2016
Richard Gasquet earned his second ATP title of the season at the inaugural European Open in Antwerp.
Photo Credit: European Open
France’s Richard Gasquet made it a winning debut at the first-ever European Open in Antwerp, Belgium as he earned his second title of the season.
The inaugural ATP 250 event final came down to Gasquet taking on surprise finalist Diego Schwartzman of Argentina.
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Schwartzman entered having upset top seed and local favorite David Goffin in three sets in their semifinal.
Both men engaged in extended rallies from the baseline during the opening set. Gasquet managed to earn an early service break that allowed him to soon serve for the set up 5-4.
Yet Gasquet, even while holding three set points, couldn't close out the determined Schwartzman.
With several forehand winners, Schwartzman went on to break the Frenchman and level things at 5-all.
Eventually a tiebreak was needed to decide the set. Gasquet earned the pivotal mini-break for 4-3 after Schwartzman just missed long on a forehand.
Gasquet, with several forehand winners of his own, soon closed out the set 7-6(4). Gasquet took control of the match in the second set after earning another early service break.
Schwartzman, who won Istanbul earlier this season, appeared to run out of energy after his long week. Schwartzman struck another groundstroke error to hand Gasquet another service break for 5-1.
Strong serving down the stretch helped Gasquet reach match point. With a strong backhand approach his opponent couldn't get back, Gasquet clinched the title 7-6(4), 6-1.
Antwerp is now the second title of the season for the French veteran Gasquet and his 14th career title overall.