Read & Watch: King Of Tokyo Tie-breaks Gasquet Ousts Anderson

Richard Gasquet is showing form reminiscent of his time in the Top 10 of the ATP Rankings this week in Tokyo, with no performance more impressive than his 7-6(6), 7-6(4) victory over No. 2 seed Kevin Anderson on Friday to reach the semi-finals of the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships 2018.

“It was a great match, I played well. It was really intense, every single point. I played my best level. You need to play very good when you are facing Kevin,” Gasquet said. “I played two incredible tie-breaks, that’s why I think I won the match. I’m very happy with the way I played.”

There was plenty on the line for Anderson, who began the week in eighth in the ATP Race To London, as the South African is trying to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals for the first time. But Gasquet was strong on his first serve — winning 80 per cent of those points — and was aggressive under pressure in the tie-breaks to seal his one-hour, 56-minute victory.

Gasquet has now won five of his six sets this week in Tokyo in tie-breaks to reach the last four at the event for the first time since 2008.

“I don’t know exactly why. Sometimes it just happens,” Gasquet said of his tie-break prowess so far this tournament. “Of course I’m playing well, I’m serving well. I played five great tie-breaks, that’s why I’ve won the matches. The court is very fast, of course you have to be ready for it. Four tie-breaks in a row, it’s crazy.”

The Frenchman has already captured one title this season at ‘s-Hertogenbosch. And if he should go on to lift the trophy here for the first time, Gasquet is projected to reenter the Top 20 for the first time since March 2017.

“I’m playing well. I’m free of injuries. I can play well, I can practise, that’s why I’m playing this level. Of course I’m winning tough tie-breaks this week. That’s great for me. Of course i’m serving well. I’m not making bad mistakes and I was offensive at the end of the match to close it.”

Next up for Gasquet is home favourite Kei Nishikori, who is pursuing his third triumph in Tokyo. While the Japanese has been in strong form, advancing to the semi-finals at the US Open and the Moselle Open as well, Gasquet has won seven of their nine FedEx ATP Head2Head meetings.

“He’s one of the best players in the world, no doubt about it,” Gasquet said. “I know him. I know he’s playing great. I have nothing to lose, it will be a great match for me. I’ll have to play at my best level.”