Richard Gasquet has shared who he thinks is the toughest player that he ever played against.
The tennis veteran has faced some of the greatest tennis players in the history of professional tennis.
The Frenchman has been on the ATP Tour for over two decades and he is preparing to say goodbye to the sport in 2025.
During that time the 38-year-old won 16 titles and he possesses a special backhand that will live long in the memory of fans all over the world.
But there are some players who made life very difficult for Richard Gasquet during his career, including a multi-time Grand Slam champion.
Photo by COREY SIPKIN/AFP via Getty ImagesRichard Gasquet says Rafael Nadal was his toughest opponent
Gasquet was a consistent player on the ATP throughout his career. He was a regular name in the top 20 and reached a career-high ranking of number seven back in 2007.
He also reached three Grand Slam semi-finals, but was unable to break through at the highest level due to the dominance of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Gasquet named Rafael Nadal as his toughest opponent, especially on clay. “It’s so hard to compare. It’s so irrational. From time to time, we’re in a world where it’s so hard to say,” he told Eurosport France.
“The other one (Nadal), he won Roland Garros 14 times, you can’t think anymore. The other one (Djokovic), he won 24 Grand Slams. Federer took the ball on the half-volley all day long, so I can’t think anymore.
“Afterwards, yes, the ultimate level, Nadal on clay when it was very hot. You see that beautiful one bounced 10 meters, it was crazy. It was a ball of incredible power. I would say him, I would really say Nadal on clay when it’s hot.”
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty ImagesWhat was Richard Gasquet’s head-to-head record against Rafael Nadal?
It comes as no surprise to hear Gasquet says Nadal was his toughest opponent.
Not only because of the Spaniard’s greatness and prowess on clay, but because Gasquet has never beaten Nadal on the ATP Tour.
The former Wimbledon semi-finalist played Nadal 18 times throughout their careers but was unable to secure a victory against the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
Their biggest match came at the 2013 US Open, when Nadal and Gasquet battled one another for a spot in the final.
Nadal claimed a 6-4 7-6(1) 6-2 victory before going on to defeat Djokovic and claim the second of his four titles in Flushing Meadows.