Interview. Tennis. Richard Gasquet before the Caen Open: “I want to continue playing against great players”
By Maxence Gorregues
Published on
Current 70e world player, Richard Gasquet returns with pleasure to the Caen Open. A great opportunity to prepare for the coming season and to discuss its great success, marked by 15 titles on the ATP circuit.
Why such loyalty to the Caen Open?
It is an event that I appreciate. At the same time convivial but also very professional by the quality of the organization and the tray offered each year. The welcome is always warm, whether it is the organization or the public. It’s a good format for me. It’s short, intense, well organized, with a lot of people… It’s good preparation. And it’s always nice to play in France.
Was there a moment at the Open that particularly stood out to you?
What strikes me is above all the evolution of the tournament by its headliners. It’s getting harder and harder to win here. And this year, I learned of the presence of Holger Rune who is in great shape. He is part of the new generation capable of winning Grand Slams. I also learned that Roberto Bautista-Agut is coming back this year. He’s really a very strong, very consistent player who can beat the best. I also saw that David Goffin is coming back. I beat him recently in Antwerp in the quarter. It’s a very good game. It will be interesting to measure myself against these players before the season.
What goals are you setting for 2023?
Have fun and stay in the Top 100. The day I get out of it, I know it will be harder physically and morally. I want to continue playing in big tournaments and against big players. This season has shown me that I can still do it. I’m 36 but I’m still here! I notably beat Daniil Medvedev (7e world player) and Lorenzo Musetti (23e), this season.
Gilles Simon, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga… Players who marked French tennis retired in 2022. How do you imagine the end of your career?
I haven’t asked myself this question yet even though I know that time is passing. As long as my body holds, I will continue. This season, I haven’t had any injuries, I’ve played pretty well. I think above all of preparing well for the next season rather than wondering what my post-career will be like.
“I am very proud of my career”
What did your generation, and you, lack to win a Grand Slam?
This is a question that comes up often. Jo was perhaps the closest to it. I don’t know, probably a bit of everything. It must also be said, but this is no excuse, that we were facing the three best players in history with Rafa, Roger and Novak. Each time, there is only one winner, which leaves few places for the others! In 2007, at Wimbledon, in the quarterfinals, I made one of my biggest comebacks against Andy Roddick, but I left a lot of energy on the court. Half against Roger, I’m cooked. In 2015, I had a good level of play against Novak in the Wimbledon semi-finals, but that wasn’t enough. I also lost in 2013 in the semi-final against Rafa at the US Open. On the Grand Slam semi-finals that I made, I can’t say that I have any regrets. I lose against stronger. But I am very proud of my career. I won many titles, was in the World Top 10 for quite a while, took part in two editions of the Masters at the end of the year. I have very good memories.
Among the young French people currently on the ATP circuit, do you see anyone capable of being in the top 15 in the world as you have been?
It is very difficult to answer this question. Some are still young. I think Gaël (Monfils) can return to the Top 15. He has plenty of potential. For the other French players, I’m thinking more of the Top 30. I’m thinking in particular of Arthur (Rinderknecht) and Corentin (Moutet) who are playing very well. Adrian (Mannarino) is not far either.
Did you know that in Caen, a very beautiful Palais des Sports is under construction, and that the Open de Caen will be played there in December 2023. Will we be lucky enough to have you with us?
I learned that. To be honest, I don’t know. It sends us to December 2023. I don’t see myself that far. But I’m not closing the door.
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