At the end of the effort, GICQUEL and DELRUE qualify for the second round
Thom GICQUEL is back to his adopted homeland for the French Open 2025. After their exploit in Paris with Delphine DELRUE, the French pair have marked this tournament as one of their main goals for the season. They face today the Thai pair Ruttanapak OUPTHONG - Jhenicha SUDJAIPRAPARAT (world No. 14) in the first round, whom they know well, having played them three times in the past year. (2 wins, 1 loss).
The first set was a rollercoaster ride. After a false start by the French (2/5), also due to excellent defense, they took the lead for the first time midway through the set, on a backhand smash from DELRUE (13/12). The French even break away (17/14). But it wasn't decisive. Indeed, OUPTHONG and SUDJAIPRAPARAT, more diligent, finished the set better (19/21). Revived by this disappointment, Thom GICQUEL and Delphine DELRUE didn't miss a beat this time (5/2). The native of Tours allowed his pair to take the lead at the break (11/9) and even widened the gap with an amazing return of serve (14/9). In control, the French won the second set after leading from the start to the end (21/15).
We're back to the same old ways! The French pair seem to have learnt from their first set by getting off to a good start again (5/2). Effective from the moment the shuttle is returned to the baseline, they open up a real gap (11/3). Less aggressive after the break, they keep the Thai pair alive (14/11). OUPTHONG and SUDJAIPRAPARAT even came within one point of the French pair (16/15). It's time for the Glaz Arena crowd to support the bronze medalists from the last World Championships more than ever. They did well, as Thom and Delphine racked up a string of winning points to win this tough battle in 1 hour and 15 minutes (19/21 21/15 21/17).
Relieved by this victory, Thom GICQUEL admitted to feeling the pressure in the first round: “We almost didn't have our nerves, but we did! The start of the match was complicated, which didn't help us get into it. We also have to admit that our opponent played well. We played with a little pressure too, which is what made our match a little complicated, I have to admit. Playing in Rennes, in front of your family and friends, isn't easy. And after our bronze medal at the World Championships in Paris, everyone expects us to win almost all our matches. We can be proud of having won this first match.”
For her part, Delphine DELRUE is already looking ahead to Thursday: “We felt the crowd wanted to let off steam too, but like us, it was tough. We'll be back on Thursday with even more spectators in the arena. We can't wait!”
In the round of 16, the French pair will face either the Indian pair KAPOOR/GADDE or the Ukrainian pair TITOV/KANTEMYR.
