Dominic Thiem battles past Richard Gasquet in Metz

After playing in the Rennes Challenger final, Dominic Thiem made his way to Metz and he defeated Richard Gasquet in round one 6-3 7-6(3).

The Austrian played a really strong match against a very tricky opponent in conditions that suit Gasquet rather well. Thiem is a good indoor player as well and had success in these conditions in the past. Despite all of that Thiem had the typical issues he had in previous weeks.

A very slow start gave the French player an early 3-1 lead but the Austrian completely stormed back into the match with a superb 5-0 run that saw him close out the opening set 6-3. He took over from the baseline with Gasquet unable to stop him.

The second set was far more competitive but Gasquet was the player to get the first break in the second set once more. It came after Thiem squandered a break point and it left him very angry. He did compos in time to break back and make it 4-4.

He squandered a match point at 6-5 but eventually took over once more in the tiebreak closing it out 7-3. A good win for Thiem who is looking better and more comfortable on the tennis court with every win.