Gasquet Ends Djokovic's Cup Hopes
© Getty Images Richard Gasquet vaulted into semifinal contention and almost certainly ended World No. 3 Novak Djokovic's Tennis Masters Cup aspirations with a 6-4, 6-2 win over the Serb in Shanghai on Tuesday.
Gasquet, who was the last man to qualify for the elite eight-man event, was in crushing form in the second set, sweeping Djokovic's last three service games to close out the match 6-4, 6-2.
Just as he had done in an impressive three-set loss to Rafael Nadal in his opening group match, Gasquet tempered his natural free-flowing shot making with a new consistency that kept his unforced error rate in check. But the Frenchman was still able to inflict heavy damage, particularly with his trademark backhand, clipping 25 winners to Djokovic's 15.
"Today I had nothing to lose against Novak because he's No. 3 in the world. I just had to enjoy the moment to play in the Masters Cup and just to play my game. I did a perfect match. I played a lot of amazing shots with my backhand," Gasquet saiad.
Eager to impress in his Maters Cup debut, Djokovic was the first player to arrive in Shanghai. But his disappointing end to what was a stellar season has continued. Because he also lost his first match to David Ferrer in straight sets, the Serb cannot reach the semifinals even if he wins his final group match (assuming no player withdraws through injury).
Djokovic conceded that he has been well short of his best form this week, adding that playing more than 100 matches during the season (singles and doubles) had affected his performance.
" I didn't find any solutions. He was playing well, he was very patient. I don't want to look on the negative side. I had amazing season... Even these two losses, which were pretty unexpected from my side, first of all, and from everybody else who is following my career, is not going ruin my whole year.
"So hopefully I'm going to prepare better and sit down with everybody and try to see what is best for my fitness and for my mental strength to do well next year."
Tuesday: Ferrer Outguns Nadal to Close on SF Spot
Monday: Roddick Rolls Russian; Makes Impressive Start
Monday: Gonzalez Snaps Losing Streak to Federer
Sunday: Nadal Battles Past Gasquet in Shanghai Opener
Sunday: Ferrer Makes in a Spanish Clean Sweep on Day 1
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