2021 US Open First Round – Richard Gasquet vs Daniil Medvedev Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Richard Gasquet vs Daniil Medvedev taking place? Richard Gasquet vs Daniil Medvedev will take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA
When is Richard Gasquet vs Daniil Medvedev on and what time does it start? Tuesday 31st August, 2021 – not before 01:45 (UK)
What surface is Richard Gasquet vs Daniil Medvedev being played on? Richard Gasquet vs Daniil Medvedev will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Richard Gasquet vs Daniil Medvedev? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Richard Gasquet vs Daniil Medvedev
What channel is Richard Gasquet vs Daniil Medvedev on in the UK? Amazon have exclusive rights to show the 2021 US Open in the UK so it is worth checking the Amazon Prime Video app on smart TVs for Richard Gasquet vs Daniil Medvedev
Where can I stream Richard Gasquet vs Daniil Medvedev in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers may be able to stream Richard Gasquet vs Daniil Medvedev live via their platform
THE LOWDOWN
RICHARD GASQUET
Former world number seven Richard Gasquet enjoyed a strong campaign at the Winston-Salem Open, where he beat Egor Gerasimov and Dan Evans in straight sets before losing in the quarter-finals. The 35-year-old was a teenage prodigy of the highest regard but before he could realise his fullest potential on the biggest stages the otherworldly likes of Roger Federer and then Rafael Nadal arrived on the scene. Gasquet still won a huge amount of titles, 15 in total, but arguably he should have claimed more with 17 runner-up finishes spanning from 2004 to earlier this year at the Umag Open.
DANIIL MEDVEDEV
World number two Daniil Medvedev lost to compatriot Andrey Rublev in three sets last time out in the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Masters. The 25-year-old collided with a camera at one stage of the match when he was a set up and whether or not that affected his game, the Russian’s short temper came to the fore once again. He briefly faced the ire of the US Open crowd here in 2019 in the early rounds before winning them around in time for a blistering five-set final with eventual winner Rafael Nadal. Medvedev has since also finished runner-up to Novak Djokovic at this year’s Australian Open.
THE PREDICTION
Richard Gasquet’s legendary backhand is still a sight to behold and he memorably placed the shot of the second round at Wimbledon last month in a straight-sets defeat by Roger Federer. The Frenchman has made it through the first round of his two Grand Slam appearances this season but he has been handed the second-shortest straw here in New York against second seed Daniil Medvedev. The Russian should be reaching a second US Open final this fortnight, and his third Grand Slam final overall, with plenty to suggest it will be third time lucky. Gasquet’s performances at Winston-Salem would have seen him get past over half the draw here but it would be a surprise to see him take even a set off Medvedev in this form, on this surface, at this major. Take Medvedev to win in straight sets.
