Safin Stops Gasquet
http://www.atptennis.com/lyon/newsstories/tuesdayreview2.asp
Top seed Marat Safin needed to draw on all of his experience
to overcome teenage French sensation Richard Gasquet 6-4, 7-6(5)
to reach the second round of the Grand Prix de Tennis de Lyon.

Safin, who accepted a wild card into the tournament, fought off
a spirited challenge from the 16-year-old in what was a repeat
of their second round encounter earlier this year at the Tennis
Masters Monte Carlo. On that occasion, Gasquet was playing in
his first ATP event having become the youngest ever qualifier
at a Tennis Masters Series tournament and had his first taste
of the big time.

Six months later, Gasquet was showing just how far he has come
after winning the French and US Open junior titles along with a
Challenger title in Montauban and two Futures titles (Great
Britain and Germany).

"Richard has improved his serve since the last time we played
in Monte Carlo," said Safin of his young opponent. "The guy has
great hands and he takes many risks from the baseline. He
definitely has a great future ahead of him. I barely played in
satellite events at his age and he is already beating established
professional players."

Timing

Safin, who is looking to win his first title of the year, added:
"I didn't practice on the Centre Court before playing my match
and everything seemed very fast to me. My timing was a bit off
hitting my groundstrokes."

The Russian, who currently lies in third position in the ATP
Champions Race 2002, had a best fifth result of three points
coming into Lyon, and now will add to his total of 460 by reaching
the second round, where he will meet Wayne Arthurs. "It's very
important for me to make some good points in the remaining
tournaments so I can make it to the Tennis Masters Cup in
Shanghai," said Safin. "I have a very busy schedule ahead. I
should have played better in the summer."

For Gasquet, it was all part of the learning experience. "It is
not easy to play against a player like Marat on a fast surface
like this," said the Frenchman. "He serves extremely well and his
groundstrokes are very heavy and hard. I was very happy with how
I competed today."