Richard Gasquet vs Felix Auger-Aliassime: Ultimate Tennis Showdown 2 Preview and Prediction

It is a battle between two generations as Richard Gasquet takes on Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second semifinal of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown tonight. Despite a 15-year age gap between the two players, fans can expect some fine entertainment. 

After making the final four in the first edition of the UTS where he lost to eventual champion, Matteo Berrettini, Gasquet has continued his rich vein of form. The veteran has adjusted to the quick format by making subtle changes to his game. The World number 50 is unbeaten so far with a hat-trick of wins. 

Nicknamed as the Virtuoso, Gasquet kick-started his campaign vanquishing Dimitrov in four quarters. In his next encounter against the youngster, Alexei Popyrin, Gasquet was sluggish in the middle as he lost the third quarter. Though the Frenchman clocked a first-serve percentage of just 58%, he edged past the Australian by claiming the fourth quarter, 13-10.

Facing another undefeated veteran, Feliciano Lopez yesterday, Gasquet came out on top winning the first three quarters. Hitting booming forehands and using his x3 winner cards effectively, the Frenchman was unstoppable. 

“To win 3-0 against Feli, you have to play well, I’m not missing. I’m ready; physically I’m good. I’m feeling great. It was a great match for me and I hope I can play well in the semis", said Gasquet after the match.

On the other hand, Felix-Auger Aliassime lost his debut match to Alexander Zverev in sudden death in the fifth quarter. Though the Canadian started poorly losing his first two quarters, he bounced back to win the next two quarters. 

With his first-serve off-target, Felix lost the initial momentum. The youngster fought hard by using the next point counts two cards efficiently. 

The World number 20 cannot afford to be inconsistent against the relentless Gasquet. He has to be quick in his court coverage and utilize the full power of his forehand to win the match.

Head to Head record 

Gasquet and Felix have never met each other on the ATP tour before. The Frenchman would be aiming to go one better than his performance in the first edition of the UTS.

Prediction - Richard Gasquet to win in four quarters

Featured image credits: tennismajors.com