Open Sud De France, Montpellier

[22] Richard Gasquet (FRA) vs. [50] Malek Jaziri (TUN)

This was their first encounter and the first set was a tussle as Jaziri fought back from a two break deficit; unfortunately, he could not maintain his elevated level of play to gain the upset and Gasquet broke again to win the first set. Jaziri lost his will to fight after he went down an early break in the second set and that was all Gasquet needed to get the straight set victory 7-5, 6-2.

[32] Feliciano Lopez (ESP) vs. [43] Benoit Paire (FRA)

This was their second encounter and keeping with their first encounter it was a battle, the only difference, this time it was won by Paire.  Lopez is struggling with a dip in confidence and his performance in the Davis Cup last weekend was evidence of how much he is struggling.  Paire is talented; yet, he has the tendency to lose focus at the most inopportune moment.  Today he surprised his opponent and maintained his focus to get the straight set upset 6-4, 7-6(5).

[40] Fernando Verdasco (ESP) vs. [63] Daniil Medvedev (RUS)

This was another first encounter and it was a complete beat down for the Spaniard.  The young Russian outplayed and overpowered his opponent.  Despite getting a break in the second set, Verdasco could not consolidate because he too has been struggling with fluctuating confidence.  He wore a perpetual frown the entire match as he battled not only his opponent but his internal doubts.  As I watched this match and remembered how talented Verdasco is when he is confident, I was reminded that every player eventually gets to this point in their career.  The new generation of talented players is making their presence felt and today it was glaringly obvious as Medvedev pummeled the Spaniard 6-3, 6-3.

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