Gaske: “For the French tennis player is just the most the world’s tournament in the world”

French tennis player Richard Gaske The 22nd and last Rolan Garros will play. The quarterfinalist of the 2016 tournament gave an interview Roland-Garros Magazinein which he spoke about his love for the tournament and his atmosphere, as well as the fears related to the completion of his career, and how he imagines life after tennis.

– The question may be obvious, but why did you decide to finish your career on Rolan Harros?

– For the French tennis player, it is just the greatest tournament in the world. This is a great helmet tournament, of course, but I think it stands above all others. Overpier. In the light years higher. So it is quite logical to finish your career here. When I decided to go in October 2024, when I felt the time, the first thought was Rolan Harros.

– What is your first tennis memory related to Rolan Harros?

– These are video cassettes that my parents gave me when I was 6 or 7 years old. I remember the 1991 and 1992 tournaments and the incredible path of Henri Leconta to the semifinals. I was a child then and looked around these records in a circle. Later, at the age of 8-10, he watched matches on TV with friends from a tennis club in the series.

– When did you first visit Rolan Harros live?

– I was 12 or 13 years old. I came with my father to see Marcelo Rios match on the central court. I also started playing early here: first in the premises at the National Center for Training at the Reebok Challenge tournament, and then at the France’s Championships up to 14 years at Cord # 2.

– What place in the tournament is closest to you?

– The most expensive I am those corners that no longer exist. Especially the old national training center and its dormitories. We lived there, and this is a special place in my heart. And the gate # 13 – there were letters from the fans, and I went there with my mom to pick up the mail. He even answered himself (smiles). There was still a vinyl room under the old court # 1, where my friends and I played football. There is no more, but this is an important part of my teenage age. These memories are special. Now everything has become more modern, and that’s fine. For example, I adore Cort Suzann Langlen. There is no place here. I love everything.

– And what are the most striking sports memories? 22nd and last rolan Garros-you have many matches behind your shoulders …

– Of course, the first exit to the tournament was incredible. Even now it is still a very special memory. It was in 2002, I was almost 16. I watched the matches on TV, and then suddenly found myself at Suzanne Langlen against Albert Kosty, who won the title that year … It was madness. I lost in four sets, so I played well. In the same year, I won a junior tournament, but such titles seem less important.

– You have two titles on Rolan Harros – among juniors and in the mix with Tatiana Golovin in 2004 …

– Yes, two titles, but not those that really matter (laughs). Maybe I will win the legend tournament – and I will have three “vain” trophies (smiles). To be serious, my first speech was the most special. The best result is the quarterfinals in 2016 against Andy Marrea. Then I really believed that I could go far. The semi -finals came out the Wavrinka’s stan – a wonderful player, but it was still not supposed to. I won the first set, lost the second on the Tai Breika, and then surrendered a little. It’s a pity, but without regret. I reached the fourth circle more than once (five times). In the years when I played the best, I got the grands – three times Nadal, twice Dzokovich, Marray, Vavrinka … Only once I really lost a chance – in 2007, when I completed the year in the seventh world racket and lost in the second circle of Belgian Christofu Vligen.

– Are you sorry that you have got into the era of such outstanding champions generation?

– A little … I think, between 1998 and 2005, something big could be achieved – then the bar was a little lower. Juan Martin del Claw, Stan Vavrinka and Marin Chilich were still able to win helmets after the appearance of a large four (Nadal, Feder, Djokovich, Maryrai), but it was very difficult to break. It was rigid. But the era was incredible – the golden age of tennis. There was a large four and four top French-Tsonga, Simon, Montis and I. I think the audience appreciated it.

– What do you think about 14 victories of Raphael Nadal on Rolan Harros?

– Fourteen victories. Fourteen! When you have six, like a bjorn debt, it’s something. And here – 14. It’s just impossible. And in some years he did it so easy. His game, understanding of soil, power, technique … It was just too good. Like a rink. At first, when I first played with him here in 2005, I did not feel fear at all. A few weeks before Monte Carlo, I was close to victory. But on Rolan Garros he took me in three sets. Then I felt powerlessness. Yes, it was difficult. Maybe somewhere in 2045 there will be a player stronger than Nadal on the ground. Who knows? But so far it is unlikely.

– How would you describe the atmosphere on Rolan Harros? How did you prepare for the tournament?

– Here you really feel real fans, people who love tennis and live it. It is stunning – both passion and support. It was difficult for me to be difficult for the first two to three years. I was young, a little tight. Then it became easier and I started to enjoy Rolan Garros. For the last four to five years, I have experienced special support for the public. It moved me. And still moves. This is another reason why I want to finish here – before the tribunes, where people sit, who is pleasant to be there, just like me – on the court.

– What do you expect from your last Rolan Harros? Is there excitement?

– First of all, I want to play well. At the last tournament in Paris (Rolex Paris Masters) I was uncomfortable. I want to survive something memorable. And so, I’m worried about the last ball … almost half a life I was a player of the top 100. The moment of “loss of personality” may occur. You wake up the next morning – and you do not need to workout. No need to prepare for the tournament. It will be strange. It was strange when Tsonga and Nadal were completed. But the life of a professional athlete.

– What will you miss you most?

– emotions, public, big courts. There are not many professions in the world where you are so happy. But the pressure, disappointment after the defeat – I will definitely not miss.

– What would you like people to remember you and your Rolan Harros?

– I hope I was able to evoke emotions in them. To be remembered. Tennis is the performance we create, the feelings that we give fans and audiences near the screens.

– Your Beckhend is considered almost perfect. Is that your favorite blow to Rolan Harros?

– Beckhend by cross – yes! He adored him. It can really only be done with one hand. I miss the one -handed Beckhend – it almost disappeared from the tour. Players now beat strongly, very strongly, play at an early reception with a two -handed, and there is almost no variety. That’s how almost everyone is playing. I’m worried about the tennis will remain interesting in the future.

– Are there young players you like to follow?

– I really like to look at Carlos Alkaras. It is different from others. But most of all I like to watch young French. Arthur Fies, Giovanni MPei Perrykar – they can win Large tournaments. I believe that. They have everything to do it.