Richard Gasquet has had a very long career at the highest level, in which he has taken numerous honors at the world's top tournaments. Most fans and insiders had much higher expectations of the French star when he took his first steps on the professional tour, considering that he was labeled as a predestined and regularly defeated Rafael Nadal in junior tournaments.
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As time went on, everyone realized that Richard did not have enough weapons to be able to win Grand Slam titles. Moreover, the fact that he played in the same era as three legends like Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic prevented him from winning a few more prestigious titles that he would certainly have deserved for his talent.
Despite this disappointment, Gasquet has repeatedly said that he will end his career with no regrets and that he played so much at the highest level because of his immense love for tennis.
Gasquet on Nadal and Federer
In a conversation between several players during the latest edition of UTS - the alternative tour created by top coach Patrick Mouratoglou - the French champion revealed the main differences between Nadal and Federer from an attitude point of view: When you're in the locker room, you often happen to observe what these legends do.
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When you see Rafa, you know right away that he is ready to bite you at the first opportunity. While Roger stands there and is very relaxed, he talks quietly with his coach and likes to joke around with everyone. Even during the warm-up, he plays very slowly at first and moves very little, giving you the feeling that he doesn't feel like he's at the top.
As soon as the match starts, you realize you have no chance to beat him. Every time you wonder how he can change his mood from one moment to the next.
The Swiss's career ended at the Laver Cup in 2022 due to a serious knee injury, which prevented him from playing as he would have liked in the latter part of his legendary career.
