Yesterday - Gasquet and Youzny

Two players ranked around the same level, and with similar strengths and weaknesses in their game - Adequate rather than great serves, solid forehands, wonderful SH backhands and relatively little inclination to come to the net.

However, what a contrast in characters - Gasquet played one good set, lost the tie break and then simply went walkabout mentally, giving Andy an easy path through. By contrast, Youzny played some wonderful stuff throughout his match,was absolutely screaming both with joy and frustration at what he was able to do against a Federer playing very well at times, and was not flattered by the score in the 2nd to 4th sets - break point chances were there but were missed.

Gasquet probably has greater natural talent as a shotmaker, but until he gets his head and physical fitness sorted, he will never fulfil his undoubted potential.

I love Gasquets style but he really is 2nd division in the head.

Nice to see the Colonel showing good form yesterday. He played well and fought to the final point, just as you say.

bogbrush wrote:I love Gasquets style but he really is 2nd division in the head.

Yes...cause physically he is second division.

He is under constant pressure to play great shots after great shots cause he knows he can't last the distance. THat is what takes the mental toll!

If we speed up the conditions, it will certainly be a more balanced mental battle.

Same thing with Federer pre-2003. Losing early while ahead...rushing for shots....etc....it's only when he understood he had t o be able to rally with guys like Hewitt that he became very strong mentally....and now that he is faced with even more physical players, he crumbles like Gasquet, even giving up 5/2 leads to Nadal!

Same old story really. It's not a good time for SHBHers!