A Cruel Turn of Events for GICQUEL/DELRUE in the Semifinals
A match filled with regrets for Thom GICQUEL and Delphine DELRUE. In the semifinals of the French Open, the French pair came agonizingly close to defeating world-ranked No. 1 pair FENG/HUANG for the second time in their careers. After a spectacular, intensely contested match, the French pair ultimately suffered a frustrating defeat.
On the verge of tears, Delphine DELRUE did not hide her disappointment: “I feel like crying, but I am not going to cry in front of you. We’re really sad to have lost after such an incredible match. In fact, it feels like we didn’t lose, since we still have one point left to play for in the match. If we’d lost the last two points because they were better, it would have been easier to swallow.”
This penalty is just as hard to swallow for Thom GICQUEL. The Frenchman points to a rule that was applied without taking into account the specifics of doubles: “We have 25 seconds to get ready to play, and the referee enforced the rule without considering the context. When you play a two-minute point, and then you have to change shuttlecocks, wipe your face, and—unlike in singles—talk to each other to say where you’re serving and where you’re returning, you need at least five more seconds. We’re going to have to talk to the referees to get the rule changed in a way that works best for doubles.”
Before this cruel outcome, however, the French had delivered a top-notch performance: DELRUE was heroic on defense, while GICQUEL dazzled with her boldness. But the Chinese also showed remarkable resilience, playing brilliantly at times and refusing to give in to the pressure from the home fans.
FENG Yan Zhe acknowledged the quality of their opponent’s defence. “Actually, today, Delphine’s defense was better, because she was able to save points where we had the attack, even shots that were at the point of landing on the ground. That’s why, in the end, we had to target Thom.”
FENG also mentioned the preparation before going into this match. “Last time, we also played three sets with them, and we lost. That is why this time we went into the match thinking of new strategies. Our opponents were really in great condition.
The final will therefore showcase FENG/HUANG against the Malaysian pair HOO/LAI (No. 31), who pulled off an upset by defeating the Chinese pair GUO/CHEN (No. 6) in two sets, 21–13, 21–9. It will be a rematch: the Malaysians will be playing in their second Super 750 final of the year, following the China Masters last June—where they also faced FENG/HUANG. They lost that match in two sets. This time, they will have the chance to get their revenge, while the world rank No. 1s will look to sustain their dominance.
