Topic: Doha Qatar ExxonMobil -- ATP--(12/28-1/6/2013)

[Dallas]

Seeded players:

1. Ferrer, David
2. Gasquet, Richard
3. Kohlschreiber, Phillip
4. Youzhy, Mikhail
5. Chardy, Jeremy
6. Troicki, Viktor
7. Lopez, Feliciano
8. Andujar, Pablo

[Babblelot]

Isn't this too early for Doha and isn't this a subpar field? Anyone know why this was moved up in the calendar?

[sid]

Brands is 5-0 up v Monfils atm

[euroka1]

hi sid,

That was a surprising first set.

At thie time of year, it is interesting to see the new talent emerging.

[sid]

Hi euroka Brands took first set 6-1 & i will be keeping an eye on him.But i do know Monfils has been out of the game,so how shape he is atm i'm not sure.

[Freak3yman84]

Isn't this too early for Doha and isn't this a subpar field? Anyone know why this was moved up in the calendar?

Doha has always been week 1 I believe... And the weak field is due to Nadal's injury, Fed's energy saving, and others choosing Hopman Cup

[Dallas]

Looks like Davydenko is trying to get some 'magic' back.

[Gawdblessya]

Gasquet won the 300th match of his career as he goes through to the next round.  Well done to him, with thanks for his beautiful game. 

Tomorrow's schedule. 

http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2013/451/op.pdf

[Babblelot]

Gasquet won the 300th match of his career as he goes through to the next round.  Well done to him, with thanks for his beautiful game. 

Tomorrow's schedule. 

http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2013/451/op.pdf

 

[Gawdblessya]

I'm watching Gasquet / Brands. 3rd set.
And I'm reminded of Gasquet's exquiste game. What a privilege to see him play like this. Not just the shot making ( the back hand is just a peach of a shot) , but how he attacks and takes the game to the opponent.  He wins 7-6, 7-6 and is through to the final.
Brands did well to get to the SF, and is likely to climb up in rankings.   

[Babblelot]

I'm watching Gasquet / Brands. 3rd set.
And I'm reminded of Gasquet's exquiste game. What a privilege to see him play like this. Not just the shot making ( the back hand is just a peach of a shot) , but how he attacks and takes the game to the opponent. He wins 7-6, 7-6 and is through to the final.
Brands did well to get to the SF, and is likely to climb up in rankings.

Really? I love the exquisite game, but what I can no longer tolerate is watching Gasquet retreat. I know he has the ability to attack, but in most cases, he's a coward. Must be dependent on the level of his competition. I can see him attacking versus Brands.

[oracle86]

Just caught up on Kolya's match vs Ferru. 

[Gawdblessya]

.......Really? I love the exquisite game, but what I can no longer tolerate is watching Gasquet retreat. I know he has the ability to attack, but in most cases, he's a coward. Must be dependent on the level of his competition. I can see him attacking versus Brands.

Alas, yes. The complete unravelling of his game under pressure has been disappointing over the years. But when he plays like he did today, what a joy.

So it ill be a Gasquet / Davydenko final.   RG is a favourite of mine so I’ll back him, but it’s nice to see that ND is in a final again.

Kas / Kohlshreiber won the doubles title.

[Brick Top]

Kolya level of play was amazing today! depth and accuracy of his shots where like in his best days.

[Babblelot]

.......Really? I love the exquisite game, but what I can no longer tolerate is watching Gasquet retreat. I know he has the ability to attack, but in most cases, he's a coward. Must be dependent on the level of his competition. I can see him attacking versus Brands.

Alas, yes. The complete unravelling of his game under pressure has been disappointing over the years. But when he plays like he did today, what a joy.

So it ill be a Gasquet / Davydenko final.   RG is a favourite of mine so I’ll back him, but it’s nice to see that ND is in a final again.

Kas / Kohlshreiber won the doubles title.

No doubt. I've seen him when he's sublime. It frustrates me when he surrenders court position.

[Gawdblessya]

.......Really? I love the exquisite game, but what I can no longer tolerate is watching Gasquet retreat. I know he has the ability to attack, but in most cases, he's a coward. Must be dependent on the level of his competition. I can see him attacking versus Brands.

Alas, yes. The complete unravelling of his game under pressure has been disappointing over the years. But when he plays like he did today, what a joy.

So it ill be a Gasquet / Davydenko final.   RG is a favourite of mine so I’ll back him, but it’s nice to see that ND is in a final again.

Kas / Kohlshreiber won the doubles title.

No doubt. I've seen him when he's sublime. It frustrates me when he surrenders court position.

Well, as far as this title was concerned, Gasquet did not revert to type!  I watched the first two sets, and he stood his ground in the 2nd, having lost the first.  Could this be the start of a more determined effort this year???  Anyway, congratulations to him!  Here's a clip of the match:

(HD 1080p) Nikolay Davydenko vs Richard Gasquet Rotterdam 2012 QF - HIGHLIGHTS

[Babblelot]

Allez!

I really hope the kid has finally turned the corner. With all that talent, he should never be outside the Top 10.

[euroka1]

Allez!

I really hope the kid has finally turned the corner. With all that talent, he should never be outside the Top 10.

It seemed to me that Gasquet has finally got himself into good physical condition. You can't stay inside the top 10 and live a soft life. Davydenko was clearly tiring after he nearly won the second and must be feeling the effects of age.

[Babblelot]

I'm watching the replay of Gasquet-Davydenko now and Gasquet is standing in Doha and Qatar.  :/