A strong performance this 2013 season has rewarded Richard Gasquet of France a spot at this week’s ATP World Tour Finals. The Frenchman first qualified for the season-ending event in 2007 when it was held in Shanghai. Last year, he was close to making a second appearance but qualified as an alternate instead. This has motivated the 27-year old to push further this year and make it a goal to qualify for the $6 million event.
“Last year I saw the wonderful stadium. It was full for the entire tournament,” Gasquet said. “It was important for me to qualify this year. It was my goal at the start of the season. I’m proud to be there with all these great players. I will try my best to play well.”
Gasquet begins his campaign on Monday, November 4 against Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina.
“It’s an exciting match for me to play my first match since Shanghai six years ago,” he said. “Of course [del Potro] will be the favourite. I know he’s a great player but I will try to play well and win the match.”
Gasquet hopes that this will not just be his only time to qualify for this event and aims to be part of the elite group in the years to come.
“It was difficult for me, especially in France where the sport is very popular. No one had won a Grand Slam in almost 25 years. I had big expectations on my shoulders,” said Gasquet. “I’m really lucky to be able to come back here. And now I’m trying the best I can to be better in the rankings. I hope to qualify many times from now on and in the future.”
