Current ATP No.8 Richard Gasquet of France could be the next big thing from a brood of young tennis talent.

Branded the “Baby Federer”, Gasquet made his Grand Slam tournament debut at the 2002 French Open at the age of 15 years, 11 months and nine days. To date he is the second-youngest player ever to compete in the main draw there.

Notwithstanding his lack of experience on the battlefield, he managed to take a set off the eventual champion, Albert Costa, in the first round. Gasquet finished 2002 as the No.1 junior in the world and was named World Junior Champion because of his junior titles at both the French Open and US Open. He is also the youngest player to finish in the year-end ATP 200

'The wonderful backhand of the 21-year-old is one of the most beautiful and damaging shots around at the moment'


The Switzerland-based player is noted for his powerful and precise one-handed backhand. His flair and shot-making ability is also very noticeable as well as his speed around the court. The wonderful backhand of the 21-year-old is one of the most beautiful and damaging shots around at the moment.

Gasquet is considered a natural player in a lot of ways. During his match with Marat Safin at a Davis Cup, former British player Barry Cowan described him as “naturally more talented than Federer”. The likes of Peter Fleming, the former US player, couldn't agree more with Cowan’s appraisal.

So where could Richard Gasquet go from here? Only to the top; it’s only a matter of time.