In a recent interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere di Verona, French tennis champion Richard Gasquet discussed the Italian movement and its champions, with a specific focus on the improvements of ATP No.1.
Gasquet, who is currently competing in the Verona Challenger, had high praise for Italian sensation Jannik Sinner, the 2024 Australian Open champion. He highlighted Sinner’s all-around game, noting, “The impressive thing about Sinner is that he has everything. When you rallies you are faced with a great forehand and a great backhand, so you have no pauses. Technically he is the strongest. I think everything comes from the cleanliness of his technical gesture. Sinner knows how to use his body by coming forward, bending his legs and hitting the ball well. That power is generated by the perfection in his movements.”
The Frenchman also had kind words for another Italian champion, Jasmine Paolini, and her coach Renzo Furlan. Gasquet commended Paolini’s fighting spirit and resilience, attributing her progress to the excellent coaching of Furlan, whom he remembers as a formidable player from his own playing days.
Speaking of young Italian talent, Gasquet singled out Lorenzo Musetti for having the most beautiful one-handed backhand among the rising stars on the tour. Despite his talent, Musetti’s absence at the 2024 Paris Olympics was a disappointment for fans, with the world number 1 citing physical problems as the reason for missing the prestigious event. Gasquet lamented Musetti’s unfortunate setback but expressed admiration for his skill and potential.
While the absence of top players like Musetti may be disappointing for fans and colleagues alike, the respect and affection for them in the tennis community remain strong. Gasquet’s insightful analysis sheds light on the exciting future of Italian tennis and the promising young talents emerging on the ATP circuit.
