Monfils, Gasquet vie for national favor in all-French third-rounder

Richard Gasquet and Gael Monfils are set to meet in the third round of Roland Garros, a match between two French favorites that will capture national attention.

The meeting between the veterans should feature an appealing contrast in styles, between Gasquet's deft shot-making and Monfils' leaping athleticism. The 30-year-olds have been plagued by injuries coming into the event, but got straightforward wins in the first two rounds and now play each other—though they would rather not.

"It's a pity it's Gael," said Gasquet, who described getting to the third round as his best moment of the season. "I never like to play against a friend.

"As long as I can play 100 percent of my tennis and take great pleasure, that's what I want. We will be on the center court. It will be a nice moment."

Monfils leads their career head to head 7-6, but Gasquet won their previous encounter, in Marseille in February. It will be their first meeting at Roland Garros. Monfils has previously reached the semifinals of the clay-court major, while Gasquet has reached the quarterfinals.

"Big match," said Monfils. "It's never easy to play Richard. If I want to beat Richard, I'll have to play a good match. There are no half measures. He will come, he will play his game."

The top-ranked Frenchman, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, fell in the first round.

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