[afterglows]

Allez Richie !

I'll be at work too. Hope he'll play a good match and we'll be able to see some sweet backhand DTL in a highlight video tonight. Allez !

[scmom]

Did not see it, but given the score - looks like a routine opening round. Good luck in the second round ,Richard!

[Puschkin]

I could not see anything, but the stats look good apart from the first serve percentage.

[ImmzB]

Allez!

[silverwhite]

His draw is opening up, with Berdych losing and Almugro 2 sets to 0 down

[Quetzal]

Berdych out ;-)

[afterglows]

Originally Posted by silverwhite

His draw is opening up, with Berdych losing and Almugro 2 sets to 0 down

Well, Rochus has blown his advantage. Almagro (and his 3-0 record against Richie) is still there.

[rosehavn]

No. 2 Court
Gentlemen's Singles - R2

Gasquet beats Bemelmans

6-3, 6-4, 6-4

[Puschkin]

Great that he got it done today, too solid for Bemelmans, but I would like to see some more penetrating and powerful serving. He will need that against Almagro.

[bleu_cheese]

I saw some of it, pretty good performance. Glad he's getting through comfortably.

[EternalxJourney]

Please beat Almagro, Richie.

[Vlad1980]

I know Richard used to serve up to 130 mph easily on grass before.. like in 2007 and 2008 but now it seems he is not really going for more than 120 at all. Last year against Murray was same story and he got broken few times. I am not sure if it is a function of his elbow or he just going for less but higher %.. although his % is not that much higher.

Against Almagro, it is hard to say. I think just few years ago I would say Almagro would stand no chance, but Almagro has gotten better on grass and has a lot of weapons. I hope Richard won't be just sort of waiting for errors, but instead will play aggressive.

[Puschkin]

Originally Posted by Vlad1980

I know Richard used to serve up to 130 mph easily on grass before.. like in 2007 and 2008 but now it seems he is not really going for more than 120 at all.

We had a similar debate on rgnet, I think Richard regularly serving 130 mph is a myth, but yesterday even 120 was the exception, but maybe he did not force the issue, as he had a huge margin throughout the match. However, he served very well and fast in his unlucky defeat in Eastbourne, so I prefer to think that he justdid what was necessary to get over Bemelmans.

[ImmzB]

Allez Richard!!

All the best against Almagro!!

[Vlad1980]

Originally Posted by Puschkin

We had a similar debate on rgnet, I think Richard regularly serving 130 mph is a myth, but yesterday even 120 was the exception, but maybe he did not force the issue, as he had a huge margin throughout the match. However, he served very well and fast in his unlucky defeat in Eastbourne, so I prefer to think that he justdid what was necessary to get over Bemelmans.

No, it is not a myth. By regularly, I say when he went for it, not on change ups and not a slice serve. I clearly remember a match against Roddick in 07, he was hitting flat serves at high 120s easily.. some even in 130s.. I also clearly remember he was hitting above 130 at times during Murray match in 08 even 133 couple times.. Maybe just radar guns got more accurate? I have also to some of his matches at US Open and saw 125s, 128s on regular basis.. maybe you right and he was not forcing it.. we'll see against Almagro because he will have to be more aggressive.