On this second day of competition, four teams were in the spotlight today, including the French players Alizรฉ Cornet and Richard Gasquet, who were close to a flawless performance.
Let’s start by discussing the duel between Belgium and Croatia. Right from the start, the Belgian Elise Mertens set the tone by dominating the valiant Croatian Donna Vekiฤ in two sets and just over an hour of play (6-2 / 6-2). Her compatriot Borna ฤoriฤ, however, had the upper hand against David Goffin in 3 sets in a much more balanced duel (6-3 / 2-6 / 10-4). The Liรฉgeois struggled to find inspiration in the first set before offering himself a second set that showcased his talent. He ultimately faltered in the final moments of the match while leading 4-3โฆ
To conclude with the mixed doubles, it was the Croatians who gained the upper hand in a very close match as well (7-6 / 3-6 / 10-6). After a first set that was played on a razor’s edge, controlled by the Croatians with finesse, the second set was easier for the Belgians who made a strong run in the middle of the set. In the super tie-break, Donna Vekiฤ and Borna ฤoriฤ proved to be much more imperial, leaving few opportunities to the Belgians who were chasing the score the entire time.
Cornet may have regrets, Gasquet dominant
On the other side, on the main court, the Nice native Alizรฉ Cornet faced off against the Dane Clara Tauson to open proceedings. Dominated in two sets, Cornet succumbed after a two-hour and twenty-nine-minute battle, a record so far. Following a tight first set from start to finish, where the Nice native was trailing 5-3 before coming back to 5-5 and ultimately losing the plot in the tie-break, the second set was less contested. With the same intensity, Clara Tauson left no hope for Alizรฉ Cornet, winning 6-4.
A little later, Richard Gasquet made short work of the world number 6 Holger Rune. Victorious in 2 sets (6-2 / 6-3), the Frenchman impressed with his remarkable control. Never in his match, the game felt long for the Dane.
The French secure the essentials!
Finally, in the mixed doubles, Richard Gasquet and Alizรฉ Cornet secured a beautiful victory in two sets (6-4 / 6-4). Riding on his great form of the day, Gasquet was just as reassuring alongside the Nice native, who visibly had not digested her earlier defeat in the day. The competition therefore ends here for Denmark.
That’s all for today; see you tomorrow for a day full of emotions as world number one Carlos Alcaraz will make his appearance in the competition. Alongside Rebeka Masarova, he will attempt to put Spain in an advantageous position against Belgians Elise Mertens and David Goffin. The French will also be present to face Switzerland’s Cรฉline Naef and Leandro Riedi for a place in the final!
