UTS1 Preview: Richard Gasquet “The Virtuoso” vs Matteo Berrettini “The Hammer”
They got there by playing top-notch tennis over the first two weekends, but today The Hammer Matteo Berrettini and The Virtuoso Richard Gasquet will seek to ride the hot hand to higher ground in a battle of the top two players in the UTS standings.
Gasquet has been playing out of his skull through four matches, with a sudden-death loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas as the only blemish on his record. It looks and feels like he has found the fountain of youth in the South of France.
Berrettini has been soldiering through smartly as well, brandishing his mighty hammer with confidence in three decisive victories as he has gained comfort with the UTS format.
So who has the edge? This battle could come down to which player uses the short, intense UTS format to their advantage. If the 34-year-old Gasquet has his way, he’ll entice Berrettini into crosscourt backhand rallies all night long. But the Hammer has the weapons to wreak havoc on a game plan. If he serves well and controls the rallies he’ll have a shot to vanquish the Virtuoso.
More tennis news
Medvedev outclasses Auger-Aliassime to close in on historic Dubai double
February 27, 2005: The day Wayne Arthurs became the oldest first-time winner on the ATP Tour
Kecmanovic’s bizarre match-point victory as Cobolli and Tiafoe hold the line
Griekspoor regains his spark in Dubai: Dutchman stuns Mensik to end a half-year slump
Rublev powers past Rinderknech to reach Dubai semifinals
