Richard Gasquet recalls his amazing win over Roger Federer

11/02/2024 10:30 AM

Roger Federer has been a nightmare for many players, having prevented them from winning as they would have deserved. The 20-time Grand Slam champion was the first 'dominator' of the new millennium, followed by Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. The Big 3 have been monopolizing the male tour for about two decades, breaking almost all existing records and showing a consistency during the year that was not even conceivable before their arrival. The former Swiss champion - who retired two years ago from the Laver Cup - has won 20 Grand Slam titles and topped the ATP rankings for more than 300 weeks before this record was snatched away by Djokovic.

Thanks to the extraordinary achievements in Melbourne and Paris in 2022, Rafa has hoisted himself to 22 Major titles proving to be a living legend. The all-time record is held by Djokovic, who has taken 24 Slam titles and went very close to the 'Calendar Grand Slam' in 2021.

The Big 3’s era is over, with Federer retiring in 2022 and Nadal preparing to welcome professional tennis to the Davis Cup Finals later this month. Their place should be taken by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who seem to have the right requirements to start a new era and make history of this sport.

Among the players who have felt the presence of the Big 3, there is certainly Richard Gasquet. The French player had a really good career, but he couldn’t win even a Grand Slam title because of these three sacred monsters along his journey. During a French TV show, Gasquet recalled his famous win over King Roger in Monte Carlo in 2005: “The problem is that behind it, there are nineteen wins for him and two for me. It was difficult. The era was brutal. When you have Djokovic, Federer, Nadal on all tournaments, it’s not easy. It was a wonderful time, but beating Roger Federer in Monaco is one of my best victories on the ATP tour.”

The French champion also reflected on his rivalry with Nadal: "For sure, bad for me because I lost 18 times, especially when I played against him on clay. Even on hard court, I lost, you know, last one in the US Open. I lost to him many times. It was tough, especially. His game was tricky for mine. He is one of the best players in history, so, of course, it was tough for me to face him every time.

Richard and Rafa have known each other since they were children and - at the beginning of their careers - it was precisely French that was considered predestined by almost all those involved. "I remember the first time I saw him. I was 13 years old. I played him in Les Petit As in Tarbes, France. We played a big match. I won, I think. It was the first time and the last time," Gasquet stated. "I remember all the energy he had. Now, he's 38 years old, he's still the same guy. It was amazing how much energy he had outside the court, and inside of course. That's why he's an incredible player and an incredible person. That's why he's Rafa Nadal," he added.

Richard’s career is very close to its conclusion, which will take place in the next edition of the French Open. Although he has a huge love for the sport, Gasquet is aware that he can no longer compete for the top titles and does not want to drag on too long. “As soon as I announced it, something hit me inside. It was my last time here, I was tense, you know it's the last time, you're aware at all times. In the end, he played better than me and that's it, at no point did I give up, but I couldn't pull off those amazing shots, which is ultimately what it's about. It still evokes a passion, it was incredible to see so many people in a first round, it wasn't easy to deliver that speech in front of them” – he explained.

The French ace also spoke about his 2025 schedule: “I would like to play Montpellier and Marseille for the last time, they are close to my heart. Monaco as well, I'd like to go through the qualifying phase, along with some Challengers in France and Roland Garros. There are some beautiful tournaments ahead that could help me have a good season, so I hope to have continuity on the court. Many asked me if I would retire at Paris-Bercy or Roland Garros, but I think ending it at Roland Garros is a good choice, ending your sports career is never easy, finishing this tournament this way has moved me deeply.”