Rafael Nadal opponent Richard Gasquet wants to replicate historic quote at French Open
RICHARD GASQUET wants to replicate Vitas Gerulaitis' famous speach if he can beat Rafael Nadal at the French Open.
Gasquet takes on Nadal in the French Open third round but odds are stacked against the Frenchman after losing all 15 of their previous meetings.
The late Vitas Gerulaitis lost 16 consecutive matches to Jimmy Connors but when he won at the 17th attempt he said: “And let that her a lesson to you all.
“Nobody beats Vitas Gerulaitis 17 times in a row.”
The quip has gone down as one of the greatest tennis quotes of all time and Gasquet is planning to say something similar if he can do the near-impossible.
“I would like to say this is one of the best quotes in the history of sports,” Gasquet told ITV.
I am a competitor and I want to win - even if it is Rafa
“I hope to say it on Saturday but I know it is tough.”
Nadal is hoping to win his 11th French Open title and Gasquet knows it will take something remarkable to stop him.
“I want to enjoy it,” added Gasquet.
“I am a competitor and I want to win - even if it is Rafa.
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“I want to enjoy this moment to play in front of the fantastic crowd here in Paris.
“[My plan is] to play aggressive but not to go all the time.
“You have to play deep first and then gamble and go and get some winners.
“You have to serve well and it is important to attack the right ball against Rafa.
“It is tough to do it but I want to try.”