That’s it, it’s the big day. Today is the final of the Nice Open. For the first time, the Nice LTC is packed to the rafters. A radiant early afternoon, the crowd is jostling to get into the arena.
The Dream Match
2:00 PM, Gasquet and Verdasco are warmly welcomed. The crowd is excited. The match can begin.
Despite the tension, Gasquet starts the match in the best possible way. First point and first rally won by the Frenchman. Like a symbol. A break at 3/2 and a few genius shots later, and the first set is in the pocket of the player from Béziers.
However, the Spaniard, although physically weakened, fights back and starts the second set well, leading 3 games to 1. Immediately, Gasquet raises his level of play to catch up and serves for the match at 5/4.
The Frenchman is nervous. Verdasco capitalizes. In a few minutes, the dream slips away. One set all. Things don’t look good for the Frenchman.
Fernando Verdasco Loses His Cool
The third set between the two men took place in a very particular atmosphere.
The Spaniard, riding his wave of confidence, crushes the player from Béziers. 4/1, the crown seems promised to him as Gasquet shows signs of fatigue.
But that was without counting on the determination of the Frenchman, or rather the passion of the Nice crowd, completely unleashed.
Indeed, Gasquet manages to reduce the Spaniard’s lead and breaks back immediately. The crowd senses the tide turning and believes once more. The Spaniard is irate and loudly complains about the completely unsupportive public. Verdasco loses his temper and subsequently the match. He waves his arms and sarcastically congratulates the spectators for their not so sporting attitude. The crowd boos. Verdasco retaliates. The center is uncontrollable, Gasquet as well. The match logically ends in a tie break. The Frenchman lets go and collapses on the clay. He has just achieved an incredible performance.
Winner of the Bordeaux challenger last week, the Frenchman is reborn in Nice, claiming his first victory on the professional circuit in two and a half years. The player from Béziers savors: It’s a title, it’s my sixth, that’s the most important. At the end of my career, I’ll think about the titles I won. I’ll remember this match for the rest of my life.
For the trophy presentation, Jean Gachassin, president of the French Tennis Federation, and Patrice Hagelauer, national technical director, traveled to attend. Verdasco did not make any statements. It’s uncertain if he’ll return next year. According to the Spaniard, the crowd greatly helped the Frenchman, without the crowd, he (Gasquet) would have lost the match.
The Tournament’s Assessment According to Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice
We wanted this comeback, and it exceeded our expectations. Regarding the success, public attendance, and player commitment, it wasn’t obvious given it was a week ahead of Roland Garros. It’s also delightful to see Nice return to grand international tennis and furthermore offer France this success by Richard Gasquet, who gave us the greatest gift with this exceptional final victory. This tournament was missed by the city of Nice.
