Richard Gasquet views the ATP Tour similar to a tennis ball with which he has gained some extent: He goes again to it for extra.
The 36-year-old Frenchman has spent greater than 20 years on tour and is exhibiting no indicators of slowing down. After reaching a career-high rating No. 7 virtually 16 years in the past, Gasquet remains to be acting at a excessive stage and residing within the Top 50 of Pepperstone ATP Rankings.
Boasting a famed one-handed backhand that he can simply change course with within the blink of an eye fixed, the World No. 43 can be a little bit superstitious on court docket.
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“I’ve a superstition with the ball, I exploit the identical ball once I’m successful factors,” Gasquet advised ATPTour.com. “With [changing my] grip [every changeover], it’s as a result of I’m sweating a lot, not superstition. It feels extra recent.”
Gasquet’s longevity hasn’t gone unnoticed by gamers. This previous week, former World No. 1 Andy Murray had sort phrases for tour-veterans Gasquet and Swiss Stan Wawrinka, who’re nonetheless giving their finest regardless of now not being a staple within the Top 10.
“I used to be actually glad for [Gasquet] when he gained the event in Auckland earlier this yr,” Murray stated in Indian Wells of the Frenchman’s first title in additional than 4 years. “I believe he perhaps typically would not get the respect he deserves. He’s been an unbelievable participant for such a very long time and I simply love seeing guys that perhaps will not be at their peak, however they’re nonetheless on the market giving all the pieces, competing as a result of they love the game.”
A 16-time tour titlist, Gasquet is in motion at this week’s Phoenix Challenger and is soaking in each probability he will get to be competing.
“Of course I used to be glad when Andy stated that. I’ve recognized him for a very long time, mutual respect,” Gasquet stated. “I didn’t win three Grand Slams like [him and Wawrinka], so it’s not fairly the identical. But I’m very glad and really lucky to nonetheless be on tour.”
The World No. 43 is amongst a star-studded discipline at this week’s Arizona Tennis Classic, the place he opens towards American qualifier Emilio Nava. Matteo Berrettini, Gael Monfils, and Alexander Bublik are additionally in motion on the Phoenix Country Club.
It can be comprehensible if the day-to-day grind had grown tedious for Gasquet, however that’s not the case for the oldest Frenchman within the Top 150.
“I’m having fun with it lots,” Gasquet stated. “I actually prefer to play and be on the tennis court docket. I prefer to journey and play tournaments. Of course it’s not at all times straightforward, typically you’re a bit drained. It’s not straightforward to play matches after matches. I actually like what I do, simply to practise and play, win matches, being on the massive levels.
“I didn’t assume I might play such a very long time, it’s a giant shock to me however I took it year-by-year and I’m nonetheless right here. I’m practising lots and fascinated about tennis each day. I’m attempting to be focussed each day to practise, to play matches, to combat. I actually love what I’m doing.
“My finest days are behind me, however I’m nonetheless having fun with it. I’m bettering since final yr, I’m taking part in higher and feeling nice bodily. I hope it will likely be the identical for the remainder of the season and be fortunate with no accidents. I had an ideal begin to the yr. We’ll see what occurs.”
Gasquet began this yr on the proper foot. The Beziers native was topped champion on the ATP 250 occasion in Auckland, the place he defeated World No. 12 Cameron Norrie within the remaining to say his first title since June 2018 (‘S-Hertogenbosch).
“I didn’t anticipate to win one other event at 36, it was fairly a shock to me,” Gasquet stated. “But I do know I’m nonetheless in a position to beat guys within the Top 10. I did it final yr and gained this yr towards Top-20 gamers. Of course it’s not straightforward however I’m nonetheless lucky to play tennis.”
A 3-time Grand Slam semi-finalist, Gasquet by no means forgets that he’s dwelling his childhood dream.
“I needed to be an expert tennis participant once I was a toddler,” Gasquet stated. “When I used to be 13 or 14, I realised I might do it and I’m very lucky for it. My dream got here true. I’ve performed Roland Garros, travelling my entire life to tournaments, assembly nice folks.”
Although a few of Gasquet’s friends equivalent to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gilles Simon retired final season, the 36-year-old is uncertain when he’ll grasp up his racquets. For now, Gasquet’s focus is on staying wholesome and having fun with each second he will get on tour.
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“I’m nonetheless in an ideal form. I don’t know precisely when I’ll cease however I’ll attempt my finest to go so far as I can,” Gasquet stated. “For the second, I’m feeling nice. I’m fortunate that at 36 I can play. Some gamers cease earlier than. Everybody desires to play for lengthy. I do not forget that Jo [Wilfried Tsonga] needed to play and needed to cease due to accidents. Many gamers have that drawback, not stopping as a result of they need to however due to accidents.”
After spending greater than 20 years on tour, the query is, what’s going to Gasquet do when he isn’t touring weekly as an expert tennis participant? “I don’t know for the second,” Gasquet stated. “For the primary month, I believe I’ll play golf and soccer.”
But retirement can anticipate now. Gasquet remains to be successful titles on the ATP Tour and beating among the recreation’s high gamers.
Source: www.atptour.com