DariusRaiden
Rookie
Before the start of the season, I didn't know who Richard Gasquet was. I remember being shocked when Federer lost to him in Monte Carlo, but then I started watching him, and I was very impressed.
My initial impressions were that he was a very talented all-court player with a blistering backhand, big serve, and outstanding return game. The one thing I noticed in the Monte Carlo match was that his forehand could use some work.
I remember watching his Hamburg match where he really started smacking some forehands, and at the US Open he was running around his backhand(which, I feel, is the best one-hander I've ever seen, on par with Guga) and smacking inside-out forehand winners. I'm thinking that if this guy starts getting into shape, he's gonna be a top 3 player easily.
Backhand- I know Feds has a terrific backhand, but anyone who saw him play Gasquet knows that Federer is completely outmatched on that side by Richard. Best backhand out there, even ahead of Safin and Andre, purely because it's so explosive and awfully pretty.
Forehand- Gasquet's forehand has improved so much this year that soon, his forehand may rival his backhand in terms of power. If Gasquet hits his forehand much bigger, people really need to fear this guy because his backhand is a world-beater.
Volleys- Gasquet is a great volleyer. Additionally, he knows how to use the whole court to build points, very rare these days. He has an attacking plan, not just bashing, which is nice to see.
Serve- Gasquet has a big first serve, and his second serve is great too. Feds had some trouble with it on clay, so it's definately a strong part of his game.
Return- Much like Agassi and Federer, Gasquet sees the ball very early. He gets his racquet on lots of serves. The thing that makes him exceptional, though, is his ability to punish second serves from way inside the baseline.
Fitness/Movement- This is the deciding factor, if Gasquet uses his extra-long off season to pump iron and get into shape, it will help him. His serve and forehand will be bigger, and if he's fitter, it will help every aspect of his game.
So what do you guys think? Most probably want to shoot me for making such a huge post that isn't about Roddick or Federer. But I think Richard has so much game and potential, I'd love to see him spank around some of these guys in the top ten(I'd REALLY like to see him play Safin or Roddick). Tell me what you think!
My initial impressions were that he was a very talented all-court player with a blistering backhand, big serve, and outstanding return game. The one thing I noticed in the Monte Carlo match was that his forehand could use some work.
I remember watching his Hamburg match where he really started smacking some forehands, and at the US Open he was running around his backhand(which, I feel, is the best one-hander I've ever seen, on par with Guga) and smacking inside-out forehand winners. I'm thinking that if this guy starts getting into shape, he's gonna be a top 3 player easily.
Backhand- I know Feds has a terrific backhand, but anyone who saw him play Gasquet knows that Federer is completely outmatched on that side by Richard. Best backhand out there, even ahead of Safin and Andre, purely because it's so explosive and awfully pretty.
Forehand- Gasquet's forehand has improved so much this year that soon, his forehand may rival his backhand in terms of power. If Gasquet hits his forehand much bigger, people really need to fear this guy because his backhand is a world-beater.
Volleys- Gasquet is a great volleyer. Additionally, he knows how to use the whole court to build points, very rare these days. He has an attacking plan, not just bashing, which is nice to see.
Serve- Gasquet has a big first serve, and his second serve is great too. Feds had some trouble with it on clay, so it's definately a strong part of his game.
Return- Much like Agassi and Federer, Gasquet sees the ball very early. He gets his racquet on lots of serves. The thing that makes him exceptional, though, is his ability to punish second serves from way inside the baseline.
Fitness/Movement- This is the deciding factor, if Gasquet uses his extra-long off season to pump iron and get into shape, it will help him. His serve and forehand will be bigger, and if he's fitter, it will help every aspect of his game.
So what do you guys think? Most probably want to shoot me for making such a huge post that isn't about Roddick or Federer. But I think Richard has so much game and potential, I'd love to see him spank around some of these guys in the top ten(I'd REALLY like to see him play Safin or Roddick). Tell me what you think!
