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Gasquet: I would have bought a ticket for this match

This is their 7th head-to-head meeting even though Australian turned 21 only recently. Both say this will be a great match. After the defeat in Estoril last season, Kyrgios said that Gasquet is better than him on clay court

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Kyrgios was grumpy and a bit lethargic in the first round but still won in straight sets. He blamed the rain and cold for his mood. The weather was better in the second round and so was his game. Of course, that is partly because of his opponent. Sijslign should have lost the first qualifying round, after which De Schepper limited him to just 4 games. It's no wonder the lucky loser recorded a convincing defeat, especially since Kyrgios hit 11 aces with only 13 unforced errors. 

- My return was much better than in the first round. I had a plan and I followed it. I'm very happy with my game, especially from baseline - Kyrgios said. He went on to talk about experience:

- Yes, this is my 12th Grand Slam and that means a lot because I feel more comfortable now. Experience is important at these kind of tournaments. I'm young but I don't feel young because I already played so many matches. Also, it's important not to win fast at Grand Slams. I didn't see that before. You need to save energy for the second week.

Gasquet said he is fit once again but that he's not at his best game-wise just yet. That was obvious against Fratangelo. He opened the match fierce, took a 6-1, 6-1 lead and then lost focus. The American had a set point at 6-5 but Gasquet managed to pull through and then did the last set well. Fratangelo has potential but his technical skills were just not good enough for these conditions. 

- Playing in Paris is great because the crowd always cheers for home players. It was get crazy. I remember my match with Wawrinka. The atmosphere was great. They helped me again when my game failed me - Gasquet said.

Kyrgios turned 21 recently but already has 6 head-to-head matches with Gasquet. The most famous one is the Wimbledon match from two years ago when he saved 9 match points. Gasquet got back at him the year later at the same tournament. The last two matches were extremes but Estoril final needs to be mentioned as well. That is the only match on clay court Gasquet won convincingly. Kyrgios admitted he couldn't stand up to Gasquet back. That was the only time. 

- We played some really good matches. Some of my favorites are against them. We always played good matches at Wimbledon. Also, he's a great guy. He was always nice to me and I am really looking forward to the match - the Australian said, being unusually friendly at the press conference. Gasquet thinks it's strange they already played so many matches:

- I think it's unbelievable. He's been on tour for just a few years and we've met so many times already. It was crazy each time too. I think that the crowd will enjoy it if it's like the one from Wimbledon. I would have bought a ticket for such a match. Of course, I hope I won't need 9-match points now. 

Both opponents said it all. This is the third round derby match and the only match of the day which deserves second weke.