Richard Gasquet back in Wimbledon qualifying 20 years after debuting; David Goffin advances

At 2004 Wimbledon, Richard Gasquet made his event debut after successfully coming through qualifying. Twenty years later, the 38-year-old is back at Roehampton attempting to repeat history.

Playing his first Grand Slam qualifying match since the 2004 US Open, the 20th-seeded Gasquet defeated Olivier Crawford, 6-2, 7-6 (8), in beginning his quest to secure an 18th main draw appearance. A two-time Wimbledon semifinalist, the former world No. 7 fired 14 aces and saved three set points during the second-set tiebreaker to advance after one hour and 43 minutes.

Gasquet, who faces Alexis Galarneau of Canada next, isn’t the only veteran looking to rekindle some magic on the grass.

David Goffin, twice a quarterfinalist, cruised in his qualifying opener. The ninth seed posted a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Marc Polmans in maintaining his hot hand. Goffin arrived on the back of capturing the Ilkley Challenger crown, a showing that traditionally would have landed him a wild card into the 128-man field.

Elsewhere, the top four men’s seeds all safely progressed. Top seed Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who has vaulted up to No. 59 in the latest rankings, secured a 6-2, 7-5 win against compatriot Ugo Blanchet. Second seed and fellow Frenchman Hugo Gaston beat Shintaro Mochizuki, 7-6 (5), 6-4.

Third seed Zizou Bergs dismissed Omar Jasika, 6-2, 7-5, as he looks to follow-up on his third round performance at the French Open after qualifying in Paris. Fourth seed James Duckworth, winner of seven matches across qualifying and main-draw action at Stuttgart and Halle, rallied past Benjamin Hassan, 6-7 (8), 6-2, 6-4.