Richard Gasquet shares his opinions with the many individuals who are curious about his current level of play as he practices with Rafael Nadal.
During the first two weeks of December, Nadal was spotted training outside in Kuwait in weather that was identical to what he would experience in Australia. Despite returning from the Middle East, Nadal trained in Europe, but this place’s pleasant climate is a little different.
It’s indoors and not at all like what he’ll see in Australia. Regardless, during his practice sessions, the Spaniard collaborated with a select group of players, among them the seasoned Richard Gasquet, who has faced Rafael Nadal on several occasions during the last few years.
Because he knows what Nadal’s foundation looks like, he can characterize the level he witnessed from the player. The French veteran claimed that Nadal performed at a respectable level, competitive enough to win matches.
Gasquet expressed his thoughts about Nadal and said: “Rafa told me that it took him a while to come back, but I felt that he was no longer in pain. He will be competitive and he will win matches, there is no doubt! He is doing long, 3-hour sessions. That’s what you need to do; play as much as possible.”
That must be great news for his followers, as it seems to confirm some of the other claims that have surfaced. Recently, Nadal defeated Fils in their practice match in Kuwait. Although the French rising star isn’t among the top at the moment, it will require work to defeat him.
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Richard Gasquet in 2023
LWLLWLLWLL Ranked world no.76, Gasquet played his last match on the 30th of October when he lost to world no.13 Tommy Paul 0-6 6-2 7-6(6) in the 1st round in Paris (draw).
At present, during this year Richard has managed to achieve an overall 26-31 match record. Richard conquered 1 title in Auckland. The French player reached the final in the San Benedetto Challenger.
Rafael Nadal in 2023
Currently the world no.666, Rafael played his last match on the 18th of January when he lost to world no.41 Mackenzie Mcdonald 6-4 6-4 7-5 in the 2nd round of the Australian Open (draw).
At present, during this year Rafael owns a composed 1-3 record.
Nadal will compete next in Brisbane (Brisbane International). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 31st of December using a wild card.
Richard Gasquet and Rafael Nadal fought against each other 19 times. Their actual head to head record is 18-1 for Nadal. Before, the last time they played each other, Rafael Nadal won 6-0 6-1 7-5 in the 3rd round in New York (U.S. Open) in September 2022.
You can see them in action in the following highlights.
