Juan Martin del Potro met Richard Gasquet on Monday evening as both players looked to open their ATP Tour Finals campaign with a victory.
The Group B contest proved to be much closer than many had expected and it was Gasquet who claimed the first set with a 7-4 triumph in the tie-break.
However, the Frenchman was forced onto the back foot shortly after as Del Potro won the second set 6-3.
Del Potro then claimed the early advantage in the final set and he managed to fight off his determined opponent to earn a 6-7 6-3 7-5 on the opening day at the O2 Arena.
Read below to find out how the drama unfolded.
Good evening everyone. Stanislas Wawrinka won the first game in this year's ATP Tour Finals against Tomas Berdych earlier today and we've got another intriguing game for you tonight. Juan Martin del Potro takes on Richard Gasquet with both men looking to start the group stage with a crucial victory.
It really is vital to win your first match at the Tour Finals. A loss makes things very difficult, especially in a group which contains Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
The fans inside the O2 Arena this evening could well be treated to something special. We'll be watching two players with contrasting styles but both men have the ability to produce stunning performances on the big stage. Just one Grand Slam victory between them but there's not too many more exciting players than Del Potro and Gasquet.
Of course, the home crowd will be missing Andy Murray this week but a game like such as this one is sure to entertain any fan of the sport. It would be a shock to see one of these players win in London but a big performance tonight could prove to be a confidence booster.
Del Potro has impressed in this tournament before. The 25-year-old was the beaten finalist when Nikolay Davydenko lifted the trophy in 2009. can he go one step further this year?
The players are now making their way to the court for the game. Who will bring their best tonight? At times these players can be both thrilling and infuriating. Confidence and rhythm will be a big factor tonight.
Maybe Del Potro's most memorable game of the year will be his loss to Djokovic in that epic game at Wimbledon, or maybe he can produce some magic this weekend. Eighth seed Gasquet may have surprised a few by sneaking into this tournament but he certainly has the quality to trouble anyone on his debut at the season finale.
The excitement is building inside the O2 Arena. I think the feeling is that the supporters could see a great game tonight. Let's hope that is the case.
Both players are going through their pre-match preparations now. Del Potro currently boasts a 5-1 record over his opponent tonight, so he knows the recipe for success. Gasquet cannot afford to fall behind early in the match.
I think Gasquet can definitely cause some problems for Del Potro this evening. It's a big night for the Frenchman, who could cap off the year positively by putting in a good display this week. Del Potro is the favourite though due to his recent form.
We're ready for the action to begin at the O2 Arena. It will be Gasquet to serve first.
The first point is decided following a 32 shot rally as Del Potro drills a backhand into the net. It's an amazing start, which has the fans excited already. The Argentine then hits a forehand wide to hand Gasquet a 30-0 lead. He makes it 40-0 when Del Potro fails to return a wider serve. Great start for the Frenchman, who holds to love.
Del Potro starts his service game confidently with an ace. Gasquet returns the next one but he fails to build the rally as he strikes the net with a forehand. Impressive ground strokes from both players follow but Del Potro shows his class to win the point with a beautiful drop shot. It gets even better from the Argentine, who also holds to love with a sliced backhand winner.
Del Potro targets a forehand winner when the ball is dropped short by his opponent but he hits his shot long. Gasquet approaches the net when he fires a backhand into the corner of the court to force Del Potro into an unsuccessful lob. It's then 40-0 when the Argentine fails to return a serve but a point is handed back after Gasquet hits a backhand wide. An excellent return of serve forces the Frenchman into an uncomfortable position and he can't help but drill a backhand long. The eighth seed secures the hold of serve following another marathon rally when Del Potro goes too hard on the backhand side.
Gasquet drops his length slightly short when he attempts to attack the second serve and that allows his rival to take control of, and win, the first point in the game. The Frenchman continues to hit confidently from the baseline but he once again strikes his forehand wide. Del Potro takes a 40-0 lead when Gasquet fails to return a serve down the middle. The Argentine adjusts brilliantly when the ball clips the net during the next point and he wins the game with a fantastic forehand winner.
Gasquet's sixth unforced error offers his opponent the lead but a good wide serve levels the scores. The Frenchman forces Del Potro wide again before approaching the net to expertly place two volleys to claim the point. Gasquet's next venture towards the net almost goes wrong but an emphatic smash gets him out of trouble. Del Potro is beaten at the end of the game by a moment of magic as Gasquet executes a superb drop while skipping back towards the baseline.
Excellent use of the court from Del Potro following a wide serve as he takes the lead at the start of a new service game. Gasquet spots an opening on the forehand side but he fails to beat the net. Another big serve extends Del Potro's lead and the game is won when Gasquet returns a second serve long.
Del Potro is moving around the court well early in this match but he doesn't get any luck when Gasquet's shot clips the net and drops over. The Argentine is tempted into the net during the next point but he can't beat the eighth seed, who volleys a winner down the line. Del Potro fancies his chances of a winner on Gasquet's second serve but his wild effort goes long. An impressive return forces Gasquet into an awkward position and he can't get his volley over the net. However, the Frenchman secures the net with an unreturned serve down the middle.
BREAK! Gasquet returns a second serve into the corner of the court with a miscued shot and he takes full advantage to claim an early lead. That lead is extended when Del Potro fires a backhand in the net but the server pulls a point back when a big delivery out wide is not returned. Another unforced error from the Argentine offers his opponent two breaks point but he saves the first when another huge serve is not returned. Brilliant! Gasquet builds the rally with patience before unleashing a stunning backhand winner down the line. First break to the Frenchman.
BREAK! Gasquet looks to push his rival around the court again early in a new game but he misses out when he drills a forehand long. Another unforced error quickly follows, which results in a 0-30 lead for Del Potro. Great tennis from the Argentine to earn three break points when he approaches the net to encourage a lob shot from Gasquet, who gets the executing wrong. Gasquet invites Del Potro to come closer to the net again and a miscued slice drifts out to make it 15-40. However, the first set is back on serve when Gasquet fires a backhand just long.
Stunning combination of shots from Del Potro, who follows a huge serve with a great forehand. A well disguised drop shot from the Argentine quickly earns him the next point before an unreturned serve makes it 40-0. No trouble on the serve this time as an ace levels the scores.
Missed opportunity for Del Potro as he fails to execute what looks like an easy forehand winner early in the game. He pulls a point back when Gasquet miscues a backhand down the line. The Frenchman responds with his first ace of the match but he hands another point back with an unforced error. Del Potro recovers from a slip during the middle of a rally to fire a backhand winner and earn a break point. Great serve under pressure as Gasquet's second ace makes it deuce in the 11th game. Del Potro somehow manages to return a smash from his opponent in the next point but Gasquet delights the crowd with a wonderful forehand winner. The eighth seed secures the hold of serve with another classy forehand after pushing Del Potro out wide.
Gasquet's confidence is obvious as he approaches the net to hammer a volley past his rival. The Frenchman is forced to flick a forehand over the net on the half volley but the ball drifts wide. An unreturned serve makes it 30-15 to Del Potro, who then unleashes a perfect backhand down the line to move further ahead. The Argentine's next serve is too big for Gasquet. A tie-break will decide the first set.
GASQUET WINS FIRST SET! Good start for Gasquet as he takes the lead when his serve is not returned. Del Potro is convincing enough on his second serve as he wins the next point but a venture towards the net results in success for Gasquet, who claims a mini break to lead 2-1. However, he quickly hands that point back with a wild forehand. A superb volley on the stretch from the Frenchman ensures the tie-break stays on serve. 3-2. Del Potro wins his next point following a big serve but an unforced error gifts his rival another opportunity. Gasquet executes a perfect backhand to win the next point but Del Potro earns the applause from the crowd when he delivers a gorgeous drop shot. 5-4 to Gasquet, with the tie-break back on serve. Brilliant! It just gets better in London as Gasquet steps forward to drill home an unbelievable winner while returning a serve and bring up set point. He does it! The Frenchman is made to work for the point but a forehand kisses the top of the net before landing safely in the court. What a set of tennis from both players.
Del Potro has enough quality to fight back from a set down but he knows he's in for a tough test from here. I don't think you can say that Gasquet doesn't deserve the lead after the tennis he played in that tie-break.
Del Potro urges himself to focus after an error at the start of a new set. A miscued effort from the back of the court from Gasquet makes it 15-15. Del Potro targets the line on the forehand but he pushes the ball too far wide. However, he pulls level again by approaching the net and slicing the perfect volley into a vacant space on the court. Gasquet falls behind when he struggles to get on top of the bounce and drills a forehand into the net. The first game goes to Del Potro following another unforced error from his opponent.
A couple of great serves, the second of which is an ace, earns Gasquet a 30-0 lead. Del Potro steps in to attack a second serve and Gasquet can only hit his next shot into the net. The Frenchman quickly finds his range on serve again though to go 40-15 ahead. A miscued effort on the backhand hands a point to the Argentine, before another wild shot makes it deuce. Del Potro reaches a wider serve but he can't return the ball over the net. Gasquet then chooses to serve and volley to secure the hold of serve.
A forehand winner is easy pickings for Del Potro following a huge serve down the middle. Gasquet's sliced return early in the next point brings an error from Del Potro, who fails to execute a similar shot. The Argentine quickly moves to 40-15 when Gasquet fails to return a couple of second serves. A chip and charge from Gasquet is brilliantly executed to keep the game alive. However, a backhand drifts just wide from Gasquet to end any hopes of a break of serve.
BREAK! Gasquet has been more than happy to adopt the serve and volley, which proves to be a successful decision as he quickly moves 30-0 in front. Del Potro fights the urge to show his frustration when he hammers a big backhand into the net. Stunning! Del Potro refuses to go down in the game without a fight as he sprints to reach the ball in the corner before unleashing a devastating forehand winner. It's Gasquet's turn to find the net next as Del Potro claims another point. The fourth seed forces deuce with another forehand winner and he is gifted a break point when Gasquet's backhand goes long. Del Potro does well to return a wide serve and he finds the crucial break when his rival hits the net.
An error from each player early in the game makes it 15-15 but Del Potro is handed the lead when Gasquet just misses the baseline with his backhand. The Argentine's confidence is boosted again when he fires a forehand winner past a helpless Gasquet before an ace earns him a 4-1 lead in the second set.
Del Potro challenges when Gasquet delivers an ace but Hawkeye proves the ball clipped the line. Another excellent proves the be impossible to return for the fourth seed. He spots an opening on the second serve but a wild forehand goes long. Gasquet is left shaking his head when his rival somehow manages to execute a winner on the half volley. However, the serve comes to the rescue again as the Frenchman hold.
Del Potro is moving his feet well now as he approaches the net to secure the first point of the game with a fine volley. Gasquet is forced into sprinting to both ends of the court during the next point but his effort doesn't matter as Del Potro unleashes a forehand winner. The Frenchman is gifted the next point but another beautiful volley earns Del Potro a 40-15 lead. It gets even better from the fourth seed as a classy drop shot earns him a hold of serve.
Gasquet begins a crucial service game with a disappointing double fault. Del Potro earns more applause from the crowd with some brilliant defensive play before finishing the point with a superb forehand winner. A slow second serve encourages a big shot from Del Potro, who groans when he hits the ball into the net. Gasquet gifts his rival two set points when his passing shot drifts out. Del Potro approaches the net once again but his volley is poor. Gasquet saves another break point when the big Argentine drills a backhand long. Del Potro then fires a return of serve into the net before a fantastic backhand winner earns Gasquet a difficult hold.
SET! Gasquet attacks the second serve by sprinting towards the net but his volley doesn't creep over the tape. A shake of the head tells the story when Del Potro delivers a double fault. Another serve is called out and the decision is confirmed when the Argentine reviews. It's 15-30 when a nervous looking Del Potro clips a backhand just long. Gasquet should earn himself two break points but he strikes the net with the overhead smash. Del Potro makes his opponent pay for the missed opportunity as he quickly wins the next two points to claim victory in the second set.
It's not a surprise to see this match forced into a third set as Del Potro fights back after disappointment in the opener to display his undoubted quality. Gasquet had an opportunity in that final game but he must remain confident. Del Potro is probably favourite as he holds the momentum but it's difficult to call a winner right now.
Gasquet is hoping a change of shirt does the trick as he begins life in red by taking a 15-0 lead. The Frenchman then sends a backhand long to gift his rival a point. Gasquet moves ahead again thanks to an ace down the middle. Del Potro forces the eighth seed wide during the next point but a perfect backhand makes it 40-15. The Argentine does pull a point back with a great backhand, which just clips the line. However, a wild effort on the same side hands the game to Gasquet.
Del Potro's defensive shots have been impressive all evening and another drop shot wins him the first point of the game. Gasquet goes for the lob during the next rally but his execution is poor. A rally full of powerful shots is won by Del Potro, who smashes a forehand past his opponent. The Argentine is the next man to fail with an attempted lob but an unreturned serve wins him the game.
Del Potro is forcing Gasquet into some difficult positions early in this third set. The Frenchman is passing the test so far but he isn't quite showing the fluency he displayed early on. Gasquet struggles with the first serve during the early stages of the game but Del Potro's radar is off and the eighth seed holds to 15.
A big ace from Del Potro is followed by an unforced error by Gasquet, who fails to find the line with his backhand. Del Potro should move further ahead but he fails to execute a simple forehand in mid-court. Gasquet makes it 30-30 when he drills a volley into a vacant space. A big serve gets Del Potro out of a tough position and he wins the game when Gasquet finds the net with a backhand.
Del Potro cannot return a wider serve from his opponent at the start of a new game. Gasquet can't help but smile as he's forced to play four smashes in a row to win the next point. Del Potro's forehand drifts wide and another error ensures that Gasquet holds with relative ease.
Brilliant defensive tennis from Gasquet to make it impossible for Del Potro to execute a volley close to the net. The Argentine misses out when he strikes a short ball wide on the forehand side. Gasquet fights to stay in the next rally but a convincing smash from Del Potro makes it 15-30. A big serve brings the fourth seed level in the game and he moves ahead when Gasquet fails to find the line with his backhand. Another error from the Frenchman hands the game to Del Potro.
BREAK! Gasquet is applying as much spin as possible in an attempt to deal with Del Potro's power but it results in a miscued shot early in the game. An unreturned second serve makes it 15-15 but a double fault hands the lead to the Argentine. Superb from Gasquet as he somehow manages to retrieve the ball out wide and deliver a beautiful backhand to pull a point back. An unsuccessful challenge from Del Potro following a long backhand confirms a 40-30 lead for Gasquet. The Frenchman then uses a challenge of his own to take a look at a backhand from Del Potro, who is relieved to see Hawkeye showing the ball clipping the line. A lazy shot from Gasquet strikes the net to gift a break point to his rival. The eighth seed forces deuce with a great serve down the middle. However, a double fault gives the advantage to the Argentine again. Gasquet saves another break point with a convincing smash. Del Potro refuses to ease up though as he takes advantage of his unbalanced opponent to claim another break point. It's an unforced error that eventually hands the game to Del Potro. Can he secure the win from here?
Del Potro takes control of the first point in a new game but a poor backhand hits the net halfway up. Flamboyant doesn't quite do the next shot justice as Del Potro comes off both feet to unleash a powerful backhand winner. A forehand from Gasquet drifts just wide to hand the lead to the Argentine but the eighth seed fights back with a stunning forehand which his opponent is unable to return. However, Del Potro quickly closes the door with two aces when it matters. He's now just one game away from victory.
Excellent speed and agility from Gasquet as he ventures to all areas of the court before placing a forehand into the corner with expert accuracy. A much more powerful forehand from the Frenchman moves him 30-0 ahead. Del Potro, who seems to be having a problem with his ankle, fails to successfully return a second serve. A unforced error does hand the fourth seed a point. Neither player can believe it when a Gasquet smash is proved to be safely in by Hawkeye following the umpire's insistence that it was out. Del Potro will now serve for the match.
BREAK! Del Potro falls behind early in the game when his forehand goes a yard long. Gasquet somehow manages to return the big serve before approaching the net to smash home a 0-30 lead. Wow! The pressure shows as a double fault hands Gasquet three break points. Where has that come from? Del Potro comes to the net but fails to hit his volley over the tape and we're back on level terms.
BREAK! Gasquet's forehand just goes wide to hand his opponent the first point of a new game. The Frenchman should easily execute a forehand in mid-court but he finds the net to fall further behind. Gasquet manages to just stay alive during a marathon rally and he's rewarded when Del Potro finds the net. The Frenchman is left looking at his racket when he gifts Del Potro two break points with a wild backhand. One opportunity is wasted by Del Potro following a poor forehand. Amazing drama. The umpire calls a Gasquet forehand out but Hawkeye proves that the ball just kissed the line, so the point is replayed. Del Potro does it! His power is too much for his rival and he wrestles back the advantage in the final set.
Gasquet just manages to return a big serve but it's 15-0 Del Potro when the Frenchman's backhand goes long. The eighth slows down the tempo during a longer rally and that produces a mistake from Del Potro. It's the Argentine who controls the next point and he earns a 30-15 lead with a classy forehand winner. Excellent use of the court by the fourth seed as he brings up two match points when Gasquet hits the net on the stretch. Del Potro does it! The big serve is too hot to handle for Gasquet and the win for the former US Open champion is confirmed.
DEL POTRO WINS 6-7(4) 6-3 7-5! Well, I mentioned that we might see something special tonight and these two players have not disappointed. Gasquet pushed his opponent all the way but Del Potro showed his class when it mattered most.
Gasquet produced some of his best tennis but it wasn't enough. The Frenchman now has a very difficult task to qualify for the semi-finals of the competition.
Del Potro marches on at the end of a thoroughly entertaining first day in London. Thanks for joining me this evening. Goodnight.
