“I will be at peace until the end”: without knowing when it will arrive, Richard Gasquet has accepted the end of his career
|Richard Gasquet va débuter son tournoi ce dimanche. MAXPPP – LP/Olivier Arandel
Opposed to Borna Coric this Sunday, May 25 during the first round of Roland-Garros, Richard Gasquet looked back on his beginnings in Paris and the end of his career which is getting closer and closer.
Did you see that you moved to a match playing against Jannik Sinner in the first round ?
I didn't watch live exactly, I saw straight away that the name of my opponent. Afterwards it's the draw, anything can happen. This one is pretty much normal. Coric remains a very good player. He has played a little less well lately, since he has had a lot of injuries. But he's still a solid player. We're going to have to have a big match to beat him.
This year, aren't we experiencing things a little more normal at Roland-Garros, where four or five boys can win while this n’ ;rsquo;was not the case for 20 years ?
Yes, since 2005, it’s back to normal. Because before, you knew Nadal was going to win. There wasn't much doubt about that. Except when he was injured or Djokovic maybe beat him once, Federer, Wawrinka… But otherwise, it’s clear that you knew it was him. So today, you don't know who of Djokovic, Sinner, Alcaraz, Medvedev, Zverev, Tsitsipas can win…hellip; It’s true that it’s very open, it’s the first time. Because no one dominated on clay this season, there were quite a few injuries… Sinner and Alcaraz didn't play, so you don't really know.
Also read: The tables for Roland-Garros 2024: Zverev-Nadal from the start, Cazaux and Gasquet not well varnished
If you could say a word to Richard Gasquet who played his first Roland-Garros at the age of 15, what would you say to him ?
I would like to have this experience of the circuit, to know what is happening, the things not to do, to do to progress, that kind of thing…hellip; Today, I have all that in mind, but I no longer have the same legs.
Which is better to have in between ?
The legs to choose for playing tennis are better (laughing). It’s good to have the head but the legs still remain the main value in tennis. In any case, I have a lot of experience today, but I don't have the same legs as back then. The two combined, it wouldn't be bad.
What did these first years on the circuit teach you ?
The world of tennis… You're young, you arrive in an adult world, you travel. There is waiting, you have to win matches…hellip; It’s competitive, there are a lot of players. You have to train, you have to develop. These are not easy things to manage. Obviously, today, I did it, I have that in mind. But afterwards, when you're very young, it's certain that you don't have the same vision.
What memories do you have of this first Roland-Garros, at 15 ?
It’was fabulous. It’s amazing to play against Costa. I had watched the tournament my whole life. You arrive, you see the Suzanne-Lenglen, you go to play there and you tell yourself that now it’s yours. I was in the south in Sérignan, I was watching it on TV with friends. Suddenly, it’s you who’s playing. This is something that is incredible.
Also read: Roland-Garros: Gasquet will play on the Lenglen, a legendary night session duel… the program for this Sunday
Does this initial carelessness allow you to be impervious to pressure ?
You have a little carelessness at the beginning, obviously. Afterwards, the pressure comes, that’s for sure, it’s normal. Even more so in France, you have it even more than elsewhere. This is where you have to be good, win matches. This is where it’s difficult. The opponents are playing well… Tennis is a very competitive sport. This is what I found hard throughout my career, I found that it played a lot, everywhere, in all countries. Even if you have talent, there are so many guys playing… In other sports too, eh. But in tennis particularly, if you have a less good shot it’s difficult to win matches because the competition is fierce.
"I'try to enjoy it as much as possible"
Playing Roland-Garros is what keeps you qualified, despite Challenger tournaments, to play for the big tournaments ?< /p>
Yes, it’s this tournament that keeps me playing. Afterwards, obviously, I know that it won't last either so I try to make the most of it as much as possible. I know the end won't be long, I have it in mind.
You are at peace with this ?
Yes, there is no problem. I will be at peace until the end, there is no problem about that. I know it will happen, if it has to happen. But it’s the same for the other players. No one really knows when it will stop…
You don't know if this is your last one or next year's ?
Obviously, it won't last for years. You always try to do a little more than you can do, but obviously it's not easy.
What will you do after your career ends ?
Football and golf, right away. And if I get injured after that, I'll be the happiest because all my career I've been careful not to get injured and to be careful. So if that same evening, my back hurts after golf, it won't bother me. I hope I get hurt even (laughing).
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