Federer stepped onto court at the Caja Magica for his first match on clay since 2016 and with a 17-2 winning record over Gasquet.
And the Swiss star made the perfect start to the match when he broke Gasquet in his opening service game and he never looked under threat on his own serve.
Federer won the first set 6-2 and Gasquet stuck with the 20-time Grand Slam champion in the second set.
But at 4-3, Gasquet’s resistance was finally broken as Federer broke him to lead 5-3 and he served out the match with ease to seal his place in the third round.
ROGER FEDERER VS RICHARD GASQUET LIVE
SECOND SET
*Federer 6-2 6-3 Gasquet
Gasquet return error, 15-0. Federer drop shot into the net, 15-15. Federer backhand winner, 30-15.
Gasquet return error, 40-15. GAME. SET. MATCH. Another Gasquet mistake gives Federer victory in just 53 mins.
Federer 6-2 5-3 Gasquet*
Federer smash winner, 0-15. Federer drop shot winner, 15-30. Gasquet goes long with a forehand. Two break points. And a Federer overhead winner earns him the key break.
*Federer 6-2 4-3 Gasquet
Anything Gasquet can do, Federer can also as he flicks a backhand down the line, 30-15.
And a forehand winner wins him the game.
Federer 6-2 3-3 Gasquet*
Lovely Gasquet backhand winner up the line. Delightful to watch.
Another Federer error and Gasquet holds on again.
*Federer 6-2 3-2 Gasquet
First time Federer has been taken to deuce in the match. But Federer’s serve bails him out as Gasquet hits back-to-back return errors.
Federer 6-2 2-2 Gasquet*
Gasquet double fault makes it 40-15. But Federer goes wide with a forehand return to keep Gasquet in touch.
*Federer 6-2 2-1 Gasquet
Crucial point at 30-30 and it ends with a flowing Federer forehand winner, 40-30.
A Gasquet mis-hit on the return allows Federer to escape unscathed.
Federer 6-2 1-1 Gasquet*
Gasquet with a love service game.
*Federer 6-2 1-0 Gasquet
Federer holds comfortably to open the set. Gasquet looking more a threat with his backhand though.
FIRST SET
Federer 6-2 Gasquet*
Gorgeous backhand down the line from Gasquet, 30-0. But Federer hits back with a sumptuous backhand drop shot return.
Another stunning drop shot brings up set point. And Gasquet fails with his own drop shot to gift the set away.
*Federer 5-2 Gasquet
Nice serve and volley take Federer to 40-0. And he moves one game away from the set when Gasquet puts a forehand return into the net.
Federer 4-2 Gasquet*
Federer turns defence into attack and whips a forehand winner into the corner. But Gasquet’s backhand is firing down and he closes the game out with an ace.
*Federer 4-1 Gasquet
An opening for Gasquet as Federer puts a forehand long, 15-30. But back-to-back aces get Federer through another service game with relative ease.
Federer 3-1 Gasquet*
Better from Gasquet as he holds to 15. But his movement still looks very awkward.
*Federer 3-0 Gasquet
Gasquet is moving a bit gingerly around the court. He did have a lengthy first-round match on Monday.
Federer holds to 30 with a forehand winner.
Federer 2-0 Gasquet*
Federer forehand winner, 15-30. Double fault from Gasquet hands Federer two break points. And a mis-hit from Gasquet gives Federer the perfect start.
*Federer 1-0 Gasquet
Federer goes long with a backhand to open the match but responds with an ace. And a second ace finishes the game off.
Brazil legend Ronaldo is in the crowd watching on.
19:00: Roger Federer and Richard Gasquet walk onto court at the Caja Magica.
18:30: Novak Djokovic is already into the third round after he beat Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-2. Federer and Djokovic could meet in the semis.
18:00: Hello and welcome to LIVE coverage of Roger Federer’s second-round clash against Richard Gasquet at the Madrid Open.