Gasquet blows away Wawrinka’s Wimbledon hopes
Richard Gasquet dumped French Open champion Stan Wawrinka out of Wimbledon in a gruelling five-set quarter-final to book a last-four meeting with Novak Djokovic.
Gasquet forced a thrilling match into five sets, only to slip up when serving for the match – but the undeterred 21st seed recovered his poise to move past his 30-year-old Swiss opponent.
Gasquet booked his first Wimbledon semi-final since 2007 with a 6-4 4-6 3-6 6-4 11-9 win in a vintage battle that gripped the Court One crowd.
France's world number 20 admitted he had to come through several big tests of nerve to book just the third grand slam semi-final of his career.
The 29-year-old from Beziers will now take on top seed Djokovic in Friday’s last-four match-up, conceding the defending champion will enter their clash as hot favourite.
“I really wanted to win; it’s a quarter-final and a big match against Stan,” said Gasquet.
“I kept fighting and I’m really pleased to do it. I was very aggressive, and of course it’s a great battle, and to win, it’s wonderful.
“It was tough for me that last set, but it was great to come through. I will be happy with how I played today and I will try to do the same again against Novak.
“He will be the favourite of the match, everyone knows that. He’s the best player in the world, and I will try my best.”
