[Allure]

Originally Posted by Puschkin

I think there is no rule that breakthroughs have to happen at the beginning of the year. At that time there are tournaments which Richard does not seem to be so keen on, the AO and the spring hard court season in the US.

I still think everything is possible at any occasion, meanwhile we just have to wait patiently, but I can't get rid of the feeling that there will be a time when all the bad luck will be gone, the little extra will be added and then everything will be different. Yes, the eternal optimist is back.

Just as long as Lars Graff is not the umpire.

[zimzim]

Canas beat Federer, so I guess Richard's loss doesn't look so bad now

[Allure]

What is up with Roger these days?

At least his lost will distract GM from Richard's failure.

[my0118]

Originally Posted by Orlandofanz

I don't think he'll make a breakthrough this year. Usually when a player makes a breakthrough, they will do well already at the beginning of the season. I really doubt that during the middle, he will suddenly turn it around. But I think 2008 is his year, no doubt about it.

yeah probably. even if he breaks into the top 10 in a slow motion, I won't consider it as a breakthrough. at least we have to call a breakthrough when he has a hugh win over a top players in a big moment.
Anyway he became top 15 again thanks to roddick. moving just one ranking up looks like really hard for him. but, keep doing that.
And speaking of his chance to break canas early in the set like we talked about, apparently Federer also blew his chances, which was much worse.
probably there's something about canas.

[*julie*]

Sorry if it has been posted before but here are some quotes from l'équipe:

Richard GASQUET (battu par Guillermo Cañas, 7-6, 6-3) : « Il ne m’a pas manqué grand-chose. J’ai fait mon match contre un mec qui, franchement, vaut une place dans les quinze premiers mondiaux (Cañas est actuellement 55e). Mais il faut que je sois plus précis à des moments cruciaux, plus lucide sur quelques choix tactiques en fin de set. Au début du tie-break, je rate une volée et, après, je me précipite, je me mets à tenter trop. Mais je ne suis pas loin de battre ces gars-là. Voilà, je joue 16e mondial, c’est ma place. Peut-être qu’il me manque un petit truc, une grosse victoire, pour passer le cap. Mais ça va venir, je ne m’en fais pas du tout. Ce n’est pas comme si je perdais contre des joueurs pas terribles, pas comme si je faisais le couillon. »

He says it was close, Canas is a top 15 player. He said he needs to be more precise on the crucial points and lucid to choose the right option in the end of sets. He was not far from beating Canas. He says he is 16th in the ranking and it is his place. He only lacks of a little something, a big win to reach a new step. But it will happen, he is not worried. It's not like he's losing against poor players or like he acts like a jerk.


It's nice to see him positive. I can't wait for the clay season.

[zimzim]

Yes am happy he is positive...I think I've gotten over this loss now