Richard Gasquet out to end losing streak against Rafael Nadal at French Open
Gasquet will be aiming to end his 15-match losing streak against Nadal
Friday 1 June 2018 15:41, UK
"Nobody beats Vitas Gerulaitis 17 times in a row". French favourite Richard Gasquet will have the former tennis star's famous quote etched on his mind when he steps out on Court Philippe Chatrier to face Rafael Nadal on Saturday.
Former American player Gerulaitis had lost 16 times in a row to eight-time Grand Slam winner Jimmy Connors. After finally ending that losing streak, he said: "And let that be a lesson to you all. Nobody beats Vitas Gerulaitis 17 times in a row."
French favourite Gasquet now has to "find the solutions" to finally beat old junior rival Nadal at Roland Garros on Saturday after losing all 15 of their Tour-level matches.
Gasquet's miserable head-to-head record against his childhood friend has shown no signs of improving in recent years - the world No 32 has not taken a set off the Spaniard since 2008.
The pair will meet for a 16th time with Gasquet looking to end Nadal's bid for an 11th French Open title in the third round.
"It's up to me to find the solutions. Once in Basel we had a very tight match. I found a way," said Gasquet after his second-round victory over Malek Jaziri.
"I'm not going to think about it throughout the day and think he's an incredible player; we all know it. I'll try to play a good match.
"I have known him for a long time. I have known him since he and I were young. I appreciate him a lot."
Nadal says he will be focused on facing Gasquet at Roland Garros for the first time since a straight-sets victory at the same third-round stage 13 years ago.
"He is one of the guys on the tour that creates a good atmosphere. He always has a positive attitude. Not creating no one problem and being a normal person," said Nadal.
"It will be a good match against a good friend in the most important place in my career, and for him a very special place, too."
