GASQUET FACES NADAL
Richard Gasquet is set to face Rafael Nadal in the semi final of the ongoing US Open. He won a thriller against David Ferrer yesterday and made it to the final 4 for the first time at Flushing Meadows.
The Frenchman has never managed to get better of Nadal in his professional career. There have been 10 matches played between these two players thus far and Nadal has come out victorious on every occasion.
But, way back in 1999, when these two players were just 13 years old, they had taken part in a junior event at Tarbes and Gasquet had actually beaten the Spanish no. 1 in that tournament. A video which consists of some portions of that match is still on you Tube.
When asked about that match, Gasquet said, “It’s on you Tube and I have viewed it a few times. It feels nice every time I watch it.”
“Although, Rafa had lost that match, but, the way he had fought was quite impressive. I remember telling my dad at the end of that match that this guy is a real fighter.”
“He is probably one of the best of all-times. It’s great to defeat him at junior level, but, it would be better if I manage to secure a victory against him at this level too.”
“I will have a lot of opportunities to do that in the future. We both are 27 years of age only at the moment.”
When Nadal was asked if he remembers that match, the Spaniard said, “Yes I do. I had been beaten by 6-4 in the last set.”
“It was a big tournament for the junior players. Everyone was trying to make his mark and I must say that Richard was absolutely fantastic on that particular day.”