Richard Gasquet
A French stylist whose sublime single-handed backhand and innate touch provided a masterclass in classical tennis elegance for over two decades.
Born 1986 (age 40)·French tennis player·Birthday: June 18·Millennials
Biography
Richard Gasquet was a prodigy, famously pictured on the cover of a French tennis magazine at age nine, a 'petit prince' anointed as the future of the sport. While his career didn't unfold as a relentless march to the very top, it became a sustained exhibition of rare artistry. In an era of brute power, Gasquet's game was a throwback: built around a glorious, whip-like single-handed backhand, considered one of the most beautiful shots in tennis history. He moved with a balletic grace, using guile, slice, and feel to dissect opponents. His peak saw him reach world number seven and make deep runs at Wimbledon and the US Open, often battling the sport's physical giants. For over 600 tour wins and 16 titles, Gasquet was the standard-bearer for finesse, a player whose matches were less about domination and more about a connoisseur's delight in shot-making. He remained a formidable and beloved presence on tour, proving that style has its own enduring power.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Richard was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Richard Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Richard's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Achieved a career-high ATP world ranking of No. 7 in singles in July 2007.
- Won 16 ATP Tour singles titles, including prestigious events like the Hamburg Open and the Qatar Open.
- Reached the semifinals of Wimbledon twice (2007, 2015) and the semifinals of the US Open once (2013).
- Won the mixed doubles title at the 2004 French Open, partnering Tatiana Golovin.
Did You Know?
He began playing tennis at the age of four.
He was coached by his father, Francis, for much of his early career.
He has one of the fastest recorded forehand shots on the ATP Tour, measured at over 120 mph.
He is known for his unique service motion, which involves a pronounced ball toss and a rocking backswing.
“My backhand is my signature, it is the shot I have worked on my whole life.”
