Richard Gasquet’s career record shows an embarrassing 10 defeats in 10 matches when he plays Rafael Nadal, but the Frenchman can at least boast one victory over the Spaniard — when he was 13.
Gasquet reached his first US Open semi-final on Wednesday with a rollercoaster 6-3, 6-1, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3 win over David Ferrer, the Spanish fourth seed.
If Nadal gets past Tommy Robredo in his quarter-final, Gasquet will face the great Spaniard once again for a place in Monday’s title match.
Gasquet, who is a close friend of the world number two, recalled how he defeated Nadal at the Les Petits As junior event in the French city of Tarbes when they were both just 13.
“I watch it on YouTube sometimes. People are talking about this video. I can see I’m winning against him, but I don’t believe it sometimes,” said the 27-year-old.
“I didn’t know him when I played him when I was 13 years old. He was already fighting a lot, already running so much, and I remember I won maybe 6-4 in a set, and I told my father after that he’s a big fighter.
“I didn’t lie. It was true. He is one of the biggest players in history. It’s good to win at under 14, but it is better to win on the pro tour. I didn’t but life is long. We are only 27.”
Gasquet has not taken a set off Nadal in their last five meetings so he may prefer to face Robredo, with whom he has split four matches.
Video of Nadal and Gasquet playing at age 13 in junior tournament can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzKuv4j67aw
Gasquet boosted by defeat of Nadal — at 13
