During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the ATP circuit saw the emergence of numerous players ready to challenge legends like Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, who were approaching the twilight of their careers. This new generation, headlined by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and others like Richard Gasquet, redefined tennis and ushered in one of the sport’s most memorable eras.
With Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic at the helm, tennis witnessed an unprecedented dominance. The trio claimed an overwhelming majority of Grand Slam titles, setting an almost unreachable bar for future generations. It wasn’t until Federer’s retirement and Nadal’s decline due to injuries that new stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner began emerging as potential successors.
Richard Gasquet, a contemporary of the “Big Three” and a player renowned for his elegant one-handed backhand, has his place in this historic era. The Frenchman, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 7 in the world and won 16 ATP singles titles, didn’t hesitate when asked to choose the greatest among the trio.
In a 2022 interview during the Open Sud de France, Gasquet declared, “Nadal is the best player of all time, no doubt. No one can compare to him,” he said. “But you can’t compare anyone to Federer either. It’s impossible. They are the two greatest champions in the history of tennis”.
Rafael Nadal and Richard Gasquet pose for a picture prior to their 2022 US Open match. (Elsa/Getty Images)
Gasquet’s storied career spanning nearly two decades
Gasquet turned pro in 2002, but it wasn’t until 2005 that he claimed his first ATP title, triumphing on an unconventional surface for French players: grass. That year, he won in Nottingham and repeated the feat the following year, adding titles in Gstaad and Lyon in 2006.
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By 2007, Gasquet claimed another title in India, followed by a victory in Nice in 2010. Between 2013 and 2016, he added seven more trophies to his collection, with his most recent triumph coming in 2023 in Auckland, where he defeated Cameron Norrie in the final.
Davis Cup champion and Olympic bronze medalist
Beyond his 16 singles titles, Gasquet also contributed to France’s Davis Cup victory in 2017, playing a pivotal role in the doubles final against Belgium alongside Pierre-Hugues Herbert.
Additionally, Gasquet earned an Olympic bronze medal at the 2012 London Games. Teaming up with Julien Benneteau, the duo defeated Spain’s David Ferrer and Feliciano López to secure the podium finish in doubles.
