Gasquet joins Memorial drive
Gasquet joins Memorial drive 
Former Australian Captain October 30, 2007
RICHARD Gasquet has confirmed he will start the 2008 tennis season alongside Lleyton Hewitt at the Adelaide International tournament at Memorial Drive, commencing on December 31.
The world No.13, from France, is coming off a solid 2007, having won the ATP Tour Mumbai International last month and reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals, at which stage he lost to eventual champion Roger Federer.
That result lifted Gasquet to a career-best No.7 in the rankings.
Gasquet, 21, also reached finals in Tokyo and Estoril and is pleased to again be heading to Adelaide, having lost to Chris Guccione in the quarter-finals this year.
“I am very happy to be opening my 2008 season at the Adelaide International,” he said.
“Last year I played in Adelaide for the first time since 2003 and went on to achieve my best result at the Australian Open by making the round of 16.
“I’m looking forward to playing on the new Plexicushion courts at Memorial Drive.
“It will be a great opportunity to acclimatise to the Australian summer, play some tough matches and get a feel for the new Australian Open surface.”
Tournament co-director Peter Johnston was thrilled to welcome Gasquet back to the round-robin tournament.
“We regard Richard as one of the most exciting players on the tour and he’s certainly proved it by breaking into the world’s top 10 for the first time this year after Wimbledon,” he said.
“He’s such a gifted shot-maker and I know the Adelaide fans will again enjoy the brand of tennis he plays.”
AAP