Richard Gasquet has pronounced longtime rival Rafael Nadal ready for action after sparring sessions at the Spaniard’s training outpost in Kuwait.
Frenchman Gasquet has spent his entire tennis life in contact with Nadal, with both born in the same month of June, 1986.
But Nadal holds undisputed superiority in their rivallry, winning all 18 of their ATP matches but losing to Gasquet in their first meeting in a French Challenger two decades ago.
“Rafa told me that it took a while for him to come back, but I felt like he was no longer in pain,” Gasquet L’Equipe.
“He will be competitive and win matches; there is no doubt about it! He’s been doing three-hour (training) sessions.
“That’s what you have to do, play as much as possible.”
Nadal is due for his first competitive test in nearly a year after an injury-filled 2023; the 37-year-old will make his start at the Brisbane event which starts on New Year’s Eve.
Main photo:- Richard Gasquet won the 2023 Auckland title
Doping sanction victim Simona Halep has gone online to protest her own treatment by anti-doping…
Rafael Nadal lined up for what was to be the final match of his career…
Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals…
Daniil Medvedev went into meltdown mode on Sunday during a highly charged 6-4, 6-3 loss, with opponent…
Jannik Sinner could well be missing from the opening European clay event of next season…
Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…