Davis Cup Thread

kohu · Master Fan Inscrit le: Apr 25, 2007 Messages: 505

After Monfils withdrew from this week's Davis Cup against USA I was sure Richard would be asked to fill in since Forget had not selected a 5th player. But Simon is Monfils replacement.

Seems like Richard is bothered by that DAMN ELBOW again - or at least that is part of the reason for selecting Simon according to Forget. I'm delighted Richard is not playing Davis CUp, especailly if his elbow is not 100% but it is worrying that he can't seem to go more than 2-3 tournaments without the elbow or shoulder or something else (usually elbow) bothering him.

Well hope he is in top shape for the clay season. He has tons of points from Rome and if he doesn't do something he'll be out of top 20 after Rome. Not that ranking is that big a deal and I guess once a player gets below #16 it doesn't really matter with seeding either.

Looking forward to MOnte Carlo and hopefully seeing Richard play MANY matches there.

blazer · Super fan Inscrit le: Jul 11, 2011 Messages: 175

i wonder if he's actually injured. Forget and richard seems to have a slightly strained relationship. I think richard didnt want to play and Forget is being proffesional as they both want to save face a little bit. Personally im happy with it.

Puschkin · Posté le: 05.04.2012, 12:23:36 Sujet du message:

kohu · Master Fan Inscrit le: Apr 25, 2007 Messages: 505

Puschkin · Posté le: 05.04.2012, 21:20:31 Sujet du message:

civ3 · Mega Fan Inscrit le: Feb 08, 2011 Messages: 343

Lets not forget as well, that Richard plays at his best for some reason having a break when he gets a niggle. Dubai, Wimbeldon last year etc. I think we might be pleasently suprised in Monte Carlo, title? Why not? Very Happy

blazer · Super fan Inscrit le: Jul 11, 2011 Messages: 175

yes Civ3 it is good that he has a break as he usually responds well. It was that tie vs USA which turned things ugly. If im honest i can see why forget doesnt play richard as he isnt the most reliable... but still he should always get picked on clay. Anyway on that debate what is richard's best surface... he said clay when he was a junior.. grass a few years ago... personally i would say clay as it minimizes his weaknesses but grass could well suit him too. I know he can play on all surfaces but what is his perfect one?

civ3 · Mega Fan Inscrit le: Feb 08, 2011 Messages: 343

I would say at the moment his best is clay, as he tends to be counterpunching a fair bit. However if he goes on offence definitely grass. Is it just me or does his game on hard courts seem to be slipping slightly?

Let us just remember less than a year ago Gasquet beat Federer, I hope he has many more deep runs as in Rome in the coming months. He had a fairly average beginning to the season, but with his growing relationship with Piatti and good result in Miami, I think he is on the verge of a season breakthrough!

Another pleasing observation, Richard started the season with around 1750 points, now he is 1650. That I think is a good result given he had to defend a semi in Dubai and a quarter in Indian Wells. Now onto our bigger hurdle, Rome Very Happy

Also! Another suprising observation is Gasquet at the moment is ranked 4 in deciding sets? Who would have guessed? http://www.atpworldtour.com/Reliability-Zone/Reliability-Deciding-Set-Current-List.aspx

Richard I hope your arm is better, and believe, set the world on fire!!!

Ney · Posté le: 09.04.2012, 08:47:09 Sujet du message:

[quote="Puschkin"]

ImmzB · Master Fan Inscrit le: Aug 18, 2008 Messages: 445

Richard has been picked for the 1st round tie against Israel

Tsonga, Benneteau & Llodra are the other 3 players.

Allez Richard!! Smile

blazer · Super fan Inscrit le: Jul 11, 2011 Messages: 175

Just came across some videos that demosntrate what richard can do on the baseline. His new style of play means he is more consistent... but has no chance of beating the likes of djokovic, murray, federer, ferrer etc when there playing well.
Ironic that he used to attack but lacked the mental strenght and now his mntal side has improved he juust sits back.

This is the real richard we want to see.... oh and the first two links are entire matches.
: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VVrKd83OxY
: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctPwettP7-w
: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkv5Fbu-5_A
: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGWkwaMWaDk
: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIpetCjBXZI
: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL7CDF9iM3o

Just if anyone wanted to see some of these. Having watched the Ozzy open final today it is clear richard has no chance of going deep in a slam playing how he does.... yet if he attacks he has a chance. Look at what warinka did vs djokovic. Its more fun to play aggressive aswell. Anyway good luck for Davis Cup.

Puschkin · Posté le: 29.01.2013, 18:16:01 Sujet du message:

http://www.grand-rouen.com/coupe-davis-richard-gasquet-au-ballon/sport/29793
includes a short video.

Richard working hard in the run up to the DC -tie.

amurti · Posté le: 30.01.2013, 15:09:54 Sujet du message:

Thanks Blazer for the nice video's of Richard - reminds me why I love to watch him play.

Puschkin, Yes, I'm looking forward to watching Richard play for Davis Cup again. I believe Forget is gone and it is now Arnault who is captain - is this good for Richard, or it does not make a difference?

Puschkin · Posté le: 30.01.2013, 16:33:20 Sujet du message:

civ3 · Mega Fan Inscrit le: Feb 08, 2011 Messages: 343

Yes I agree. Can I just say though this time last year Richard had gained 225 points. This year he has gotten 430. It is great to see. I really do feel that he could do something spectacular this year and I think he does as well.