The 26 yr old Frenchman, his last name pronounced, Gas-Kay, is surprisingly achieving a Renaissance to his lackluster career. Known as a rather gutless underachiever, best known for once beating Roger Federer in Monte Carlo, but also being called a choker by his Davis Cup teammate, Gaels Monfils, and suspended from the tour for testing positive for cocaine, Gasquet, who was pegged for stardom early in childhood, is actually starting to make good on his goldmine of potential.
He beat Davydenko to win Doha and then lost in the Rd. of 16 to Tsonga at the Australian Open. But Gasquet in Montpeiller this week, has taken down both Monfils and Benneteau in three-set matches, 6-3 to Monfils and 6-1 to Benneteau. Richard has not shown he can slay the big boys of the tour in a while, but maybe, just maybe, he’s sneaking in a charge to the top. He’s re-tooled his serve and forehand to complement his tremendous backhand and it’ll be interesting to watch if Gasquet, the most misunderstood player on tour, can actually overcome all the knocks on his game and once-fragile psyche and give the big boys a run for their money.
8 comments
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Andrew Miller · February 9, 2013 at 5:10 pm
If as Dan said Gasquet is re-tooled, fit and motivated he can do it. He can play shockingly outstanding tennis for stretches.
But I am going to take an Agassi approach. I’ll believe Gasquet’s for real when he takes a Masters title from Djokovic’s war chest.
Author comment by Scoop Malinowski · February 9, 2013 at 6:54 pm
Gasquet has the talent of the top 4. He just lacked the desire and obsessive ruthlessness to win the biggest events. Also he seemed to lack comfort in playing in the big stage in pressure situations. Too inhibited which held back his best tennis. TO be a champion you have to have a BIG and open personality, Gasquet was too shy and passive. But I think he wants it more now and is showing passion and fire much more now on the court. He’s a different player now. I think it’s all coming together for him now. All players mature at their own rates. It would hardly be a surprise if he were to win a major this year considering how talented he is. It’s all in the head.
Steve · February 9, 2013 at 8:24 pm
I welcome you all to the Gasquet renaissance bandwagon.
Piatti is a key element to this great story. Look for Gasquet to return to the WTF this year.
Author comment by Scoop Malinowski · February 10, 2013 at 6:50 am
What element, benefit or incredient is Piatti injecting into Gasquet that was missing before Steve in your opinion?
Steve · February 10, 2013 at 9:41 am
Scoop, to fight & win when he’s not playing his best tennis. He plays everyone intensely now except that sometimes he’s a little too passive against his countrymen & friends.
He seems to have increased his fitness a notch under Piatti as well.
Author comment by Scoop Malinowski · February 10, 2013 at 12:01 pm
Steve maybe Gasquet has started eating rocks for lunch and breakfast and raw meat for dinner every day, he’s turning into an animal. He should beat Paire today but I like Paire a lot since seeing him at US three years ago when he took F-Lo to four or five sets. He was a bit of an emotional headcase then but he’s keeping his cool better now. Really talented player.
Steve · February 10, 2013 at 5:54 pm
Well, I would have sent all the French players except of Giles into the foreign legion for 6 months. Gasquet is a late bloomer but I believe being 26 today is like being 22 back in the day. People are maturing later. The days of a Becker winning a slam at 17 are over.
Author comment by Scoop Malinowski · February 10, 2013 at 6:51 pm
Well we do have Christian Garin from Chile now to watch, he’s just 16 and won a round in Vina Del Mar, took a set off Chardy. Very impressed by Garin. Just 16.