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Richard Gasquet views the ATP Tour similar to a tennis ball with which he has received 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 nearly 16 years in the past, Gasquet continues to be acting at a excessive stage and residing within the High 50 of Pepperstone ATP Rankings.
Boasting a famed one-handed backhand that he can simply change path with within the blink of a watch, the World No. 43 can also be slightly superstitious on court docket.
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“I’ve a superstition with the ball, I exploit the identical ball once I’m profitable 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 type phrases for tour-veterans Gasquet and Swiss Stan Wawrinka, who’re nonetheless giving their finest regardless of not being a staple within the High 10.
“I used to be actually blissful for [Gasquet] when he received the event in Auckland earlier this 12 months,” Murray stated in Indian Wells of the Frenchman’s first title in additional than 4 years. “I feel he possibly generally would not get the respect he deserves. He is been an unbelievable participant for such a very long time and I simply love seeing guys that possibly usually are not at their peak, however they’re nonetheless on the market giving all the things, 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.
“In fact I used to be blissful 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. However I’m very blissful and really lucky to nonetheless be on tour.”
The World No. 43 is amongst a star-studded discipline at this week’s Arizona Tennis Traditional, the place he opens towards American qualifier Emilio Nava. Matteo Berrettini, Gael Monfils, and Alexander Bublik are additionally in motion on the Phoenix Nation Membership.
It will 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 High 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. In fact it’s not all the time straightforward, generally 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 phases.
“I didn’t suppose 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 occupied with tennis on daily basis. I’m attempting to be focussed on daily basis to practise, to play matches, to battle. I actually love what I’m doing.
“My finest days are behind me, however I’m nonetheless having fun with it. I am bettering since final 12 months, I’m enjoying higher and feeling nice bodily. I hope it is going to be the identical for the remainder of the season and be fortunate with no accidents. I had an amazing begin to the 12 months. We’ll see what occurs.”
Gasquet began this 12 months on the precise 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 assert 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. “However I do know I’m nonetheless capable of beat guys within the High 10. I did it final 12 months and received this 12 months towards High-20 gamers. In fact 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 wished to be knowledgeable tennis participant once I was a toddler,” Gasquet stated. “After I was 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.”
Though a few of Gasquet’s friends similar to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Gilles Simon retired final season, the 36-year-old is not sure 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 amazing 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. All people needs to play for lengthy. I do not forget that Jo [Wilfried Tsonga] wished to play and needed to cease due to accidents. Many gamers have that downside, not stopping as a result of they need to however due to accidents.”
After spending greater than twenty years on tour, the query is, what is going to Gasquet do when he isn’t touring weekly as knowledgeable tennis participant? “I don’t know for the second,” Gasquet stated. “For the primary month, I feel I’ll play golf and soccer.”
However retirement can look ahead to now. Gasquet continues to be profitable titles on the ATP Tour and beating among the sport’s high gamers.
from Tennis – ATP World Tour https://ift.tt/873bIqX
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