Gasquet reaches Mercedes Cup semifinals

[zatoicchi]

STUTTGART, Germany (AP)—Second-seeded Richard Gasquet of France defeated Albert Montanes of Spain 6-3, 7-6 (5) Friday at the Mercedes Cup to reach his first semifinal of the year.

The 15th-ranked Gasquet saved seven of eight break points, winning seconds before a thunderstorm flooded the court.

Gasquet will play sixth-seeded Agustin Calleri, who dispatched Michael Berrer of Germany 6-4, 6-2 to reach his second semifinal of the year.

The 22-year-old Gasquet, who reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and the Australian Open, is the favorite after Rafael Nadal led a host of withdrawals by top-seeded players.

Gasquet reaches Mercedes Cup semifinals - Tennis

[zatoicchi]

STUTTGART, Germany (AP)—Unseeded Juan Martin del Potro reached his first career ATP final, defeating Argentine compatriot Eduardo Schwank 6-2, 6-4 in the Mercedes Cup on Saturday to gain a matchup against Richard Gasquet of France.

Gasquet, seeded second and the highest-ranked player at No. 15, overcame Agustin Calleri, 6-7 (3), 6-2, 6-3 to reach Sunday’s final, his first this year.

Del Potro rode his serve against the eighth-seeded Schwank, who was in his first career ATP semifinal.

“Incredible, I can hardly believe it,” Del Potro said after beating his third straight seeded opponent in the clay-court tournament. “It would be great to take the title back home.”

Del Potro, Gasquet reach Stuttgart final - Tennis

[zatoicchi]

STUTTGART, Germany (AP)—Juan Martin del Potro won his first ATP title on Sunday, upsetting second-seeded Richard Gasquet 6-4, 7-5 in the clay-court Mercedes Cup final.

The 19-year-old Argentine broke Gasquet for a 5-4 lead in the first set and, after a brief rain delay, broke the Frenchman again to lead 6-5 in the second. Del Potro closed out the victory with a strong serve and a forehand winner off Gasquet’s return.

Along with his first title, del Potro also collected a white convertible presented by the tournament sponsor.

“This is incredible. I’ve dreamed of winning a tournament since I’ve been a kid and now I also get a car,” said del Potro, who drove it around the court after the awards ceremony. He also earned $186,853 for the win.

Del Potro wins 1st title over Gasquet in Stuttgart