Early Years
Richard Gasquet was born in Béziers in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. He is the only child in the family. He began playing tennis at the age of 4 under the guidance of his father, Francis, who ran a tennis club, the TC Sérignan, along with his mother Maryse. He appeared on the cover of French Tennis Magazine aged only 9, and was touted as an extremely promising prospect even at such an early age. He was coached by his father during his junior career, and by Tarik Benhabiles for a short period. Since turning professional he has been coached by Eric Deblicker and Guillame Peyre. In February 2010, he hired coach Gabriel Markus, who has worked with Marat Safin and David Nalbandian in the past.
As a junior Gasquet posted a 44–7 singles record and reached as high as No. 1 in the world in September 2002.
Junior Slam results:
Australian Open: SF (2002)
French Open: W (2002)
Wimbledon: -
US Open: W (2002)
He made his debut on the ATP tour in April 2002, at the Tennis Masters Series tournament at Monte Carlo where he received a wildcard into qualifying and became the youngest player ever to qualify for a Tennis Masters event. At the age of 15 years, 10 months, he defeated Argentina's Franco Squillari in the first round of that tournament to become the youngest player to win a tour-level main draw match since Tommy Ho at Rye Brook in 1988.
Gasquet made his Grand Slam tournament debut at the 2002 French Open at the age of 15 years, 11 months, nine days. He was the second-youngest player ever to compete in the main draw there. Despite his lack of experience, he managed to take a set off the eventual champion Albert Costa in the first round. Gasquet finished 2002 as the No. 1 junior in the world and was named World Junior Champion, having won the junior titles at the French Open and the US Open. He was also the youngest player to finish in year-end ATP top 200.
Gasquet finished 2003 as the youngest player to finish a year inside the ATP top 100. In 2004, he reached his first ATP tournament final at Metz, but lost to fellow countryman Jérôme Haehnel 7–6, 6–4. He also won the mixed doubles trophy at the French Open that year, partnering Tatiana Golovin.
Read more about this topic: Richard Gasquet, Career
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