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Gasquet's got 6-0 against Kei, with only one set lost

The Japanese barely passed the moody Fognini who missed a match-point yesterday, and he admitted that Fognini was better. Gasquet beat Verdasco in three sets. He knows Verdasco well, and has only lost one serve against him now

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Nishikori had lots of luck getting to this round. The Japanese won the first set thanks to his opponent not being present, but Fognini showed his charm in the second set, and reminded us why he's beaten Nadal twice on clay last year. Even though he was missing his chances, he won the second set, and lead 5-4 in the third. He was obviously nervous, continued making mistakes in crucial points. Nishikori used that and won the last three games, saving 11-of-13 break-points total.

- Fabio was better than me in the second and the third. He was more aggressive, served better, had better returns. He deserved to win just as much as I did. I don't know what exactly happened to him in those last games. I can say I was lucky and I hope to play better in the next match - Kei admitted. Now he'll face an opponent he's never beaten before: 

- I have to change my tactics, make some adjustments. I'll see about it with my team, and also work on mental side of it.

Gasquet confirmed once again that his rib injury is a thing of the past. He said he lacked matches after the first round. He took the second set to a tie-break there. He lost only one serve, and that cost him a set. That's why he was convincing in the final set. Verdasco missed two of his chances, and he used both of his. That was a mental fight between players who've known each other since they were 12 years old.

- I felt good from the start. Backhand was working well, and that's the key against Verdasco. I'm happy with how it ended and I'm hoping to perform well in the next match - the French said.

Counting this year's Kooyong exhibition match (7-6 7-6), Gasquet's leading 7-0 against Kei. The last match ended with him retiring, but the fact remains that the Japanese won only one set from their duels. He left the French with one game in the first set three years ago, and still lost the match. This is their first clay duel.