Final: (2) Cameron Norrie WR 12 LOST TO Richard Gasquet (FRA) WR 67 6-4 4-6 4-6
Shame. But nice to see the remaining player of Tsonga and Simon win his first title in some time.
ETA, looks like Cam was 4-1 up in the 3rd...eep.
-- Edited by Blue_Belle on Saturday 14th of January 2023 04:13:42 AM
Shame for Cam - I never really know what I think of Gasquet, his backhand was/ is sublime (Id love to see him and Stan trade backhands all day) but good to see him getting a title at this stage.
The French press say it was 'extraordinary' and call Gasquet 'inusable' - which always sounds like you can't use him, or he's useless - but actually means you can't wear him down, he never goes away
And point out that Gasquet will be the new French number one on Monday - at age 36 !
The French press say it was 'extraordinary' and call Gasquet 'inusable' - which always sounds like you can't use him, or he's useless - but actually means you can't wear him down, he never goes away
And point out that Gasquet will be the new French number one on Monday - at age 36 !
The French press say it was 'extraordinary' and call Gasquet 'inusable' - which always sounds like you can't use him, or he's useless - but actually means you can't wear him down, he never goes away
And point out that Gasquet will be the new French number one on Monday - at age 36 !
Where's all that French talent?
It's an utter disaster, as far as the French federation are concerned
Lots of players who threaten to do well, lots lurking in the next layer down, always a lot of youngsters who are promising to be the next big thing...... and then it fizzles
So they've got wonderful depth, I mean, nine in the top 100 is great - and Lord knows how many in the top 500 - it must be about 50
But they lack a real spearhead.
True, there's been some nasty injury issues, but that's the same with any country really.
There's always mutterings that it's 'too easy' in France i.e. too easy to do well, and therefore they aren't hungry enough to actually to do more than well.
I don't really buy off on that. Although, as always, there may be a grain of truth.
I just think it takes a special player to make the top-10, say: special in tennis and in dedication and in everything - some players are more 'special' in one area than another, but overall, it has to all be a package that really stands out, for an extended period (you can't get top-10 from three events, say). And I think France has produced lots of really good tennis players but that magic dust isn't quite there - and it's killing the bods !
The French press say it was 'extraordinary' and call Gasquet 'inusable' - which always sounds like you can't use him, or he's useless - but actually means you can't wear him down, he never goes away
And point out that Gasquet will be the new French number one on Monday - at age 36 !
Where's all that French talent?
It's an utter disaster, as far as the French federation are concerned
Lots of players who threaten to do well, lots lurking in the next layer down, always a lot of youngsters who are promising to be the next big thing...... and then it fizzles
So they've got wonderful depth, I mean, nine in the top 100 is great - and Lord knows how many in the top 500 - it must be about 50
But they lack a real spearhead.
True, there's been some nasty injury issues, but that's the same with any country really.
There's always mutterings that it's 'too easy' in France i.e. too easy to do well, and therefore they aren't hungry enough to actually to do more than well.
I don't really buy off on that. Although, as always, there may be a grain of truth.
I just think it takes a special player to make the top-10, say: special in tennis and in dedication and in everything - some players are more 'special' in one area than another, but overall, it has to all be a package that really stands out, for an extended period (you can't get top-10 from three events, say). And I think France has produced lots of really good tennis players but that magic dust isn't quite there - and it's killing the bods !
Agree with all this - it seems its been that way for years as well. Going back to Noah and Leconte and Forget? The stereotype of the mercurial Frenchman plays out consistently it seems.
they as a group seem to lack that grit and fight of a player like an Andy or a Ruud or the like, and often seem to , generally, lack real height Or weight of a Cilic or a Delpo. If that makes sense?