At 37, Richard Gasquet held on for just one set against Carlos Alcaraz, the second favorite from Melbourne, who won in three sets 7-6(5), 6-1, 6-2. The Iberian advanced to the second round of the 2024 Australian Open.

Carlos AlcarazPhoto: Marco Alpozzi/LaPresse/Shutterstock Editorial/Profimedia

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Carlos Alcaraz beat Richard Gasquet at the 2024 Australian Open

The match between Carlos and Richard provided plenty of impressive moments, the tennis they played delighted the late fans at Rod Laver Arena.

The Frenchman was able to really handle his much younger opponent (17 years between them) in only one set.

The first leg was tightly contested, and the two were barely separated by only a tie-break. The Spaniard was more precise and inspired at the end of the set, and the victory was on his side – 7-6(5).

It was actually the only period in the match where balance prevailed.

In the second and third sets, Alcaraz took control of the match and Richard was unable to cope with the Spaniard’s explosive tennis (but he was responsible for many moments on show).

Gasquet (ATP No. 131) did his best: he delighted the fans with his impressive backhand down the line, played intense forays to win and left the Rod Laver Arena with his forehead held high.

In the second and third sets, the French only changed the scoreboard three times (6-1, 6-2), the match ended after two hours and 23 minutes. Alcaraz had some trouble finishing the game, conceding four match points before redemption point.

Know:

  • In the second round of the Australian Open 2024, Carlos Alcaraz will meet Lorenzo Sonego (46 ATP).
  • Alcaraz now leads 2-0 in head-to-head matches with Gasquet.
  • The Spaniard’s best result in Melbourne is round three in the 2022 edition.
  • Carlos Alcaraz has won two Grand Slam titles so far: US Open 2022 and Wimbledon 2023.

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