World No.1 Rafael Nadal has paid tribute to Richard Gasquet after the Frenchman reached a milestone in his career at the Monte Carlo Masters.
On Thursday the world No.34 defeated Mischa Zverev 6-2, 7-5, to get his 500th tour win. Coincidentally, his first ever tour win occurred at the same venue back in 2002 when he defeated Franco Squillari at the age of 15. Gasquet is the first player from his country to win 500 matches on the ATP tour and only the eighth active player to do so.
“I’m happy I did it here rather than in Budapest.” Said Gasquet. “ There are very few players who have achieved this. I don’t know exactly how many.”
“I certainly am among the worst of players, among the players who achieved this (winning 500 matches). But I’m happy I did it in Monte-Carlo 16 years after my first victory.”
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The achievements of the 31-year-old has earned him praise from Nadal. Following his win over Karen Khachanov, the Spaniard said that Gasquet deserved the honour. Born just 15 days apart, the two first played against each other on the professional tour back in 2003 at a Challenger tournament in France.
“It is a great news for him. Especially because he’s a great, great person, great guy. Humble.” Said Nadal. “He’s one of the players that you want on the tour. He’s an easy person. He’s a great player.”
Nadal has a one-sided 15-0 lead over Gasquet in their head-to-head. Nevertheless, he admits that Gasquet was a better junior player than him. During his teenage years, the Frenchman won the boys’ title at both the French Open and US Open in 2002. During that same year he made his grand slam debut at Roland Garros at the age of 15. Nadal was 17 before he made his debut in a major.
“He’s a great player. We grow up together. Different countries.” Reflected Nadal. “He was better than me. We didn’t have the chance to play very often when we were kids because he was better than me, so he was not playing in the same age (group) as me. He was playing with the older guys.”
More than a decade on from their junior years, Nadal continues to be impressed by his rival. Gasquet has 14 ATP titles to his name and has been ranked as high as seventh in the world. Despite his young promise, he is yet to reach the final of a major. Reaching the last four of a grand slam on three previous occasions.
“He’s a classic player. I like the way he plays. Well done for him. I wish him all the best.” Concluded Nadal.
On Friday Gasquet will be bidding to reach his first Masters 1000 semi-final since 2012 when he takes on Alexander Zverev. Meanwhile, Nadal will lock horns with Dominic Thiem.
