THE MATCH

Yes, everyone would have preferred Gael against a foreign player. But that’s how it is, we have to make do!

How can you imagine Gael losing here, at his last Roland Garros, his favourite tournament, against Hugo Gaston?!

Nadal did still lose in the first round against Zverev... is this match comparable? Does Gael really have such a limited physical gauge?

It’s true that his preparation in tournaments leaves something to be desired. Playing here one last time, that costs you emotionally as well. But he’s a guy with heart. I honestly find it hard to see him losing in front of his parents.

There will be tension. On both sides. Hugo will struggle to hit through Gael, who will have the luxury of being able to choose the moments when he’s going to accelerate.

And then, this match will surely be scheduled in a night session. So that’s favorable to Gael (although…)

On Gaston’s side, Roland, and Grand Slams in general, are tournaments he takes very seriously every time. He’s been able to play a full clay season, but he hasn’t necessarily shone. His goal here: make Gael run as much as possible.

What is Gael really worth right now? I think he still put in a good preparation. He held back in almost all the previous tournaments so as not to get injured before Roland. This is the moment.