Richard Gasquet faces Ugo Humbert in the first round of the 2022 Australian Open on Tuesday, January 18th 2022.
Who will come out on top in this battle of the Frenchmen? Will it be the experienced and flamboyant, Richard Gasquet, or will it be the younger and lefty, Ugo Humbert?
Richard Gasquet is one of the most exciting players to watch over the last 15 years on the ATP Tour, with an amazing forehand and even better one-handed backhand which enable him to move opponents around and play in most conditions strongly. However, over the last 3 years or so, Richard has struggled more and more with injuries which have limited his playing time and competitiveness on court. Adding to this, he is now scheduled to meet a younger and more agile frenchman now in Humbert.
Ugo Humbert put on a valiant effort in his ATP Cup campaign, going 1-2 in his matches but always keeping things tight against amazing players. The fact that Humbert was able to beat Daniil Medvedev is great and he will be working hard to continue doing so as he knows that with his lefty game and his ability to take balls early, he can take time away from his opponents. Ugo will go far in 2022 if he keeps playing like this, and he has a strong chance here at the AO to make a bigger name for himself.
This is going to be the first meeting between both players, with this being a battle of France between an experienced veteran and an up and coming youngster. On paper, Richard is miles ahead in experience and success. However, over the last year or so, Ugo has become incredible and has won some big titles and matches. Unfortunately for Gasquet, it will be another early round exit from a grand slam.