Tennis and Rafael Nadal have become synonymous with each other. There’s something unique that makes Rafa special and popular. But what is it? Well, it’s not an easy question to answer and that’s exactly what Richard Gasquet tried to imply recently while sharing his thoughts on the King of Clay. For those unaware, Richard has announced his retirement from Tennis. Next year’s French Open will be the last tournament of his career, as revealed by the Frenchman in a post-match press conference in Bercy.
During the media interaction, Richard was asked about his take on Rafael Nadal; he’s also retiring soon. Among various questions, Richard was asked one on what makes the Spanish player a true GOAT. While replying to the reporter, who wanted to know what would Richard tell about Nadal if a child asks him in several weeks from now, the Little Mozart of Tennis said, “I would like children not to ask me, because already adults and since I’m 19 I have been asked the same question. You know, if the children could not look it up, could look it up on Google or something, it would be better, because yeah, I hope they will know Rafael Nadal.”
Not to mention that the ATP French veteran was slightly irked by this question. But why? Well, he’s been asked the same thing on many previous occasions. “I cannot tell how many times I was asked this specific question: Why is he so special? I mean, come on, just look at him, just watch him on TV, and that’s it.”
However, Richard Gasquet did give the credit to Rafael for his exceptional skills. The Frenchman showered praise on the Spaniard’s clay court dominance at the French Open. “He’s won 14 times Roland Garros. Just imagine that figure. Not even in sci-fi, you couldn’t win Roland Garros 14 times, and yet it was done by him.”
Richard Gasquet and Rafael Nadal both started their careers at the same time. In the last decade, he would be compared with the Spanish player. It’s because there were lots of expectations from Richard when he turned pro. Many believed he would be the next big thing in the world of tennis. Sadly, things didn’t turn out his way. On the other hand, Rafael went on to create history with his remarkable performances in every successive season.
Although he’s not won any major trophy so far, Gasquet is still hopeful. That’s probably the reason why he’s decided to give his final shot at the French Open in 2025. Interestingly, he’s only one of the few pros who are still playing despite nearing the mark of 40. During the press conference, Richard reflected on this aspect as well. Plus, he also commended the big three, including Nadal, for an unbelievably elongated professional run.
Richard Gasquet praises Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer on their extended careers
Gasquet emerged on the professional tennis scene almost two decades ago. Since then, only few players have managed to extend their careers in the best way possible. On top of the list are his contemporaries like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. The trio succeeded in pushing themselves further to keep playing for a longer period than usual in the sport.
When asked about being one of the few remaining active players approaching 40, he said, “Well, you know, I couldn’t say. I guess, yeah, I think — well, there was Connors as well before, but there were not that many players who were 35 who could play so long. Rafa, who won at 36. Novak, Federer. It’s unfathomable.”
