A recent retiree from tennis, Richard Gasquet is gradually discovering padel. Present at the FIP Bronze tournament in Marne-la-Coquette, the former world number 7 makes no secret of his enthusiasm for this sport, which he now plays regularly, primarily for enjoyment. 

"Today, I enjoy playing padel."

Richard Gasquet makes no secret of the fact that he has no career ambitions on the professional circuit. His goal is simple: to have fun.

«  It's just for fun. Honestly, padel is great.  “, he summarizes.

After more than twenty years on the ATP circuit, his body sometimes reminds him of the demands of top-level tennis. His elbow and shoulder, in particular, now limit his tennis sessions. Padel offers him a new way to stay on the court.

"When I play tennis, it's become more difficult. My elbow, a bit of my shoulder... it hurts quickly. Now that I don't play anymore, I enjoy playing padel."

Richard Gasquet is enjoying padel: "It's a great sport, very fun and very social."

Partners of choice

In Paris, Gasquet has no trouble finding partners.

He plays regularly with  Yann Auradou  et  Adrien Maigret , two references of French padel, and also benefits from the presence of many former tennis players converted to the discipline.

"I'm lucky to play with Yann, and with Adrien Maigret too. It allows me to discover another sport and to change things up a bit."

He has already played in a few tournaments, although a calf injury has slowed his progress.

"I played in one or two tournaments. Unfortunately, I tore my calf muscle, but it's always a pleasure to go to clubs. There are tons of them opening all over France."

"It's no longer a question of performance."

At 40, Richard Gasquet is discovering a relationship with sport that is very different from the one he experienced on the ATP circuit.

"It's no longer entirely about performance. Of course, when you play, you want to play well, but today I play mainly for enjoyment."

The former Frenchman nevertheless points out that padel remains a physical discipline.

"You need intensity. It's not tennis, but you have to move, keep the rallies flowing. It's a real sport."

Former tennis players already well established on the slopes

Richard Gasquet meets many familiar faces from tennis on the padel courts.

He cites in particular  Lucas Pouille ,  Gael Monfils with whom he already plans to play when he ends his career,  Enzo Couacaud ,  Fabrice Santoro ,  Pierre-Hugues Herbert  or,  Jules Mary .

According to him, many already possess strong qualities.

Who has the best moves?

Invited to hand out some awards, Gasquet played along.

For the  best smash by 3 His choice was without hesitation.  Albano Olivetti .

"With his serve and power in tennis, I'd say it's him."

For  flight he highlights  Theo Arribagé , Olivetti's doubles partner on the ATP circuit.

"He plays very well and has an excellent volley. Tennis players already have these automatic reflexes from doubles."

On the other hand, when it comes to defending with the glass, the former champion believes that former tennis players still have room for improvement.

"That's probably the most difficult part. I don't think there's anyone who's truly mastered that aspect of the game yet."

He nevertheless praised the ball control of  Fabrice Santoro which he considers "   something exceptional for you  " as well as the qualities of Herbert, Jules Marie or even Enzo Couacaud.

Richard Gasquet is enjoying padel: "It's a great sport, very fun and very social."

See you at Paris Major

Even though he won't be on the court, Richard Gasquet will be present at the  Paris Major  in the stands at Roland-Garros.

"Of course I'm coming. Tapia, Coello... it's top-level. Roland-Garros is always fabulous. I also hope the French will have a great tournament; that would please everyone."

The date is set. While Richard Gasquet is still discovering padel, one thing is already certain: the former tennis champion intends to make the most of this new passion.

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 in Savigny-sur-Clairis, Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!

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