Richard Gasquet. AP FILE PHOTO
SHANGHAI — Richard Gasquet was dealt a setback to his chances of qualifying for the elite ATP Finals after a first-round loss to Vasek Pospisil of Canada 6-3, 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters on Tuesday.
The Frenchman, who played in the year-end championships once before in 2007, sits in ninth place in the standings, a mere 20 points behind Stanislas Wawrinka for the last spot in the eight-man field.
Play was disrupted for the second straight day due to heavy rain from the remnants of Typhoon Fitow, which made landfall in southern China early Monday and moved north over Shanghai.
Matches in the main stadium were played with the roof closed, while those scheduled for outer courts were moved to an indoor facility so organizers could attempt to finish the first round on Tuesday.
Also, Italy’s Andreas Seppi defeated Lleyton Hewitt 6-4, 6-2, and Tommy Robredo of Spain beat countryman Albert Montanes 6-4, 6-1.