French Open 2016: Day 6 Highlights

The day 6 of French Open 2016 came as a big shock to Rafael Nadal fans as it was revealed during his unexpected press conference that he’s forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a wrist injury – his wrist is NOT broken but considering that another slam in Wimbledon follows in a few day’s time, Nadal has been advised that if he continues to play; the situation will get worse and his wrist will eventually be broken and hence it’s better to drop out and start preparing for the busy calendar year ahead.

Nadal was visibly disappointed and emotional with him being the undisputed clay court champion and the kind of play he had shown in his first 2 matches, he was looking in good form to go all the way and seize the Rolland Garros trophy but it wasn’t to be – this makes Novak Djokovic’s chances of winning his first French open even stronger.

Some key matchups in the men’s draw included that of Nick Kyrgios against the French world no.2 in Richard Gasquet. Kyrgios is known for his aggression and often bad mouthed outbursts on the court, while Gasquet is very composed and calm even in toughest of situations. Kyrgios was demolished in the first set with a 6-2 loss, the outburst was expected and Kyrgios complained about constant talking in Gasquet’s player box but little did it have any effect on Gasquet and his box. Gasquet’s eye was on the win and he was making amends towards being at the peak of his mental strength which perhaps helped him secure the 2^nd set in the tie-break 7-6 (9-7), by the time the third set started; Gasquet strengthened aggressive game and backhand smashes were too much for Kyrgios who went down 6-2.

Nishikori’s and Verdasco’s clash was another important match of the draw. It was yet another 5-setter which went in favor of the higher seed in Nishikori who seized the match 6-3 6-4 3-6 2-6 6-4. Ranked no.5 in the world, Nishikori has shown some incredible play on the tennis tour across the last 2 years but he still awaits a grand slam under his belt.

The big serving American in John Isner perhaps has had the most 5-setters in tennis circuit over the last 4-5 years and he had another with Gabashvilli – coming over the opponent 7-6 4-6 2-6 6-4 6-2, moving forward to the 4^th round.

Andy Murray after 2 5-setters finally had a relatively easy outing with a 3 set win against Karlovic (biggest threat to his stay in competition in terms of ranking, ranked 27 in world). Murray came victorious with 6-1 6-4 7-6.

In the women’s draw, the day turned out to be bitter for the Czech tennis fans with 3 big players in Petra Kvitova, Safarova and Strycova going out of the French Open 2016 on the 6^th day of the tournament – all in matches that lasted 3 sets.

The world no.2 seed in WTA seeding won against Strycova 6-2 6-7 6-2 and moved to the 4^th round of the women’s draw.

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