"I want to be in London and I hope to be there" - Schwartzman boosts ATP Finals qualification bid with victory over Gasquet at Paris Masters

World No.9 Diego Schwartzman ended a three-match losing streak against veteran Richard Gasquet on Wednesday, as he defeated the Frenchman to advance to the third round at the Paris Masters.

Schwartzman had previously lost six consecutive sets against Gasquet, before pulling off a 7-5 6-3 victory during their second round match. The Argentine now holds his destiny in his hands as he attempts to secure the final spot in the eight-man Nitto ATP Finals, which kicks off on November 15 2020.

"I'm feeling great, because I have the chance in my hands," said Schwartzman. "I'm trying to do my best, and I'm feeling really, really good this week. After Rome, I got a lot of confidence and I've been playing very good tennis. So I want to be in London, and I hope to be there."

In order to qualify for London for the first time, the 28-year old needs to reach the semifinals in Paris. Furthermore, he will need Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta to not win the title.

Schwartzman will face qualifier Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the third round, as the Spaniard recorded a 6-4 6-4 victory over French wild card Benjamin Bonzi in his second round match.