WIMBLEDON: Rosol busted, Kyrgios rises, and Cornet goes full-on Cornet

Although he preferred to say otherwise, Rafael Nadal exacted revenges on Lukas Rosol for the shock defeat he suffered in the same round (second) on the same court (Centre) two years ago. Little did Rafa know that the Czech had other ideas up his Lotto sleeve. On a changeover Lukas purposefully used his racquet to knock down one of the Spaniard’s water bottles. As any tennis fan knows, Rafa always perfectly positions his two water bottles in the same spot by his chair (one of his many famous idiosyncrasies). NOT. COOL. LUKAS. I suppose you got what you deserved in the end.

@richardgasquet1 @Wimbledon Thanks mate, you're a class act and it was a pleasure to share the court with you. #Respect
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) June 26, 2014

Youth was served up in Paris and it looks like the trend is continuing at Wimbledon. Take 19-year old Nick Kyrgios. He’s the youngest baller in the men’s draw but showed elite quality when he saved nine, yes NINE, match points to defeat the 13th seed Richard Gasquet today. Talk about clutch. It was impressive stuff to watch. Even Richie had to give it up to the Aussie. Respect.


Only Alize Cornet would be able to win the "Best Actress in a Vine Award" by the second round. Screw tennis; THAT takes real talent. Hope she brings some of it to her third round match against Serena Williams. Duh, of course she will (sorry, I have a penchant for self-talk). Enjoy the lulz. I will be.

Other notables: On their match’s second day, 14th seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga finally closed out Sam Querrey 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-7(4), 6-3, 14-12. Another talented up-and-comer, 20-year old Jiri Vesely, bested the 24th seed Gael Monfils 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-7(1), 6-7(3), 6-4 in his Wimbledon debut and will face Kyrgios for a spot in the fourth round. American Madison Keys continued her stellar grass-court form. The Eastbourne champ took out the 31st seed Klara Koukalova 7-5, 6-7(3), 6-2.

HE SAID/SHE SAID: Wimbledon Day 5

Q. Do you realize your nickname here is actually Deliciano. What do you say to that nickname?

FELICIANO LOPEZ: It's coming from Andy's mother. She's so funny. It's just something that everybody knows now because somebody post it on Twitter.

Q. Do you like that nickname?

FELICIANO LOPEZ: I have to like it. It's kind of funny. I mean, it's okay.

Q. Do you get a lot of attention from female fans when you're walking around?

FELICIANO LOPEZ: Not really. Like another place, I think.

Q. You talked about learning. Could you talk about how your mental toughness has evolved over the years since you were a younger player? Is that something you've worked on?

MARIA SHARAPOVA: Uhm, I think, you know, experience is a big thing. I think it's really priceless. But I don't think, you know, that calmness and that mental toughness is something that you can just go to someone and someone can teach you about it.

I think it's just how you see certain situations instead of just being too negative, even though it's something that you want to do. And of course it's so easy to get down on yourself, want to throw your racquet, complain about things. But I think positive thoughts and things just lead you to much better results.

I mean, it's something that you can definitely work on, absolutely. Yeah, it's challenging. But I think experience has really helped me.

Q. As the years go by, do you let thoughts creep in that it might never happen for you here?

ANDY RODDICK: Well, sure. You're human. I mean, of course it does. You know, you may never get your favourite job either. No offence to your current employer.

Q. I'm quite happy.

ANDY RODDICK: That's good. Me, too.

Q. My question was, it must be harder as the year goes on to think of this dream of yours.

ANDY RODDICK: It's similar to the question just asked. What do you do? You keep moving forward until you decide to stop. At this point I've not decided to stop so I'll keep moving forward.

Q. When did you first dream of being a Wimbledon champion and what were those images, if you can remember?

CAROLINE WOZNIACKI: Well, I remember when I was a little girl, maybe nine years old, I said that I want to be No. 1 in the world and I want to win the Grand Slams. That's always been my goal since then.

You know, to reach one of my goals, it's incredible, especially in such a young age that I have, that it came so quickly. It's just a positive thing for me.

Q. Did you grow up watching this tournament on the TV at home?

CAROLINE WOZNIACKI: Yes. I think this is actually the first tournament I watched on TV. Definitely a special tournament for me. I enjoy playing here and being here.

Q. Do you remember which players you watched then?

CAROLINE WOZNIACKI: I remember I watched Martina Hingis. She was my idol growing up. I watched so many of her matches.

Q. Do you still have ambitions of winning Grand Slams yourself?

RICHARD GASQUET: It's tough. It's tough, because when I was second week in Roland Garros I had to win Djokovic, then Federer, then Nadal. Even here in 2007 I won in semi-final I had to win the same: Federer and Nadal.

So even if I'm not far, you are far because you need to win the best after. So I don't know if I can, but I'll try to go farther as I can.

Q. Why don't you use Hawk Eye more? Do you forget to use it?

VENUS WILLIAMS: No, I only use it if I think I need it. If I feel like I hit the ball out, most times you can feel on your racquet. I think usually when I'm challenging, I'm pretty right on.

Q. You use it a lot less than a lot of players.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah, I don't think Hawk Eye is there for like a chance kind of thing. I think you have to use it strategically.

If it's like the second point in a match, possibly maybe not a good time to use it. Hopefully the confidence is there that you can get the next point, some kind of thing like that.

Hawk Eye, for me, I'm confident I can win the next point. I don't need that call, per se.

Q. Unless you think it's way, way out, definitively the wrong call is made, you're going to move on?

VENUS WILLIAMS: Yeah. I think it's important to have the Hawk Eye when it really counts. If it's 5 All and you have no challenges left, that's a problem. So it's just I think important to use it more strategically than I need it and it's there.

Q. If you get through on Monday and López keeps winning, I'm curious who you think your mum might be supporting if you meet Deliciano?

ANDY MURRAY: I think it's about time she stopped with that nonsense. Makes me want to throw up. It's disgusting. Yeah, it's disgusting.

I was practising with him before the tournament. It's quite funny because she'd been writing about it on, you know, Twitter like all the time. And I was practising with him before the tournament and my mom was on the side.

I said, when we were warming up, I shouted across the net, I said, Feli, if we sit down for a drink, if you could take a picture with my mom, because she thinks you're beautiful.

She went bright red. I'm not doing it. I'm not doing it. Refused to take the picture. Quite funny. Not like her.

Yeah, I hope she'll still be supporting me.

[Photo(s) credit: Getty Imagess]

PHOTO OP: Turn to the left and cough

"Wonder Twin powers: ACTIVATE!"

Richard Gasquet needed more legs and an oxygen tank than balls today during his 4-6, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-2, 6-1 first round defeat to Andy Murray at Roland Garros today.

The Frenchie had just won his first tourney in almost 3 years at Nice this past weekend and that effort seemed to take his energy from under him. Although he requested a Tuesday start to recover a bit from his tourney win RG officials weren't in the giving mood and denied him the later start. Pretty rough if you ask me...and him.

I was in the camp that believed we would be served an Upset Special on our viewing plates today but it wasn't meant to be. Reeshard was was playing really well and could've won the match in three sets until his energy began to wane and the errors crept in. As for Muzz, he hung in there and made the Frenchie grind, something the one-hander - who was looking all sorts of aggressive today, was not looking to do under the circumstances.

Let's hope we get a rematch at Wimbledon in a months time.

Next up for Muzz? Juan Ignacio Chela.

[Photo(s): Reuters]

MEDIA MASHUP: "My angel is the centerfold..."

"Give us 'sexy'. We need more 'sexy' for this shot."

Richard Gasquet struck a most provocative pose while choking on a 2 set-to-1 lead and two match points, falling 6-7(9) 4-6 7-6(2) 7-6(4) 6-4 in an epic 4 hour 53 minute opening round match against a cramping Mikhail Youzhny. OUCH, that's gotta hurt and I'm not talking about his modeling moment.


Hey fangirls: Reeshard needs your help lifting his spirits after this most disappointing loss. So make him feel good, k?

Here we go. One...two...three...hit it!



[Photo(s): PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images]

PUT A CAP ON IT: Reeshard

After resolving his recent off-court issues Richard Gasquet is one win away from capturing his first title in over 2 years - allez! He'll face a resurgent Marcos Baghdatis who edged out Mardy Fish 6-4, 6-7(7), 7-6(5) in the final.

So I don't know if Reeshard is in pain, in need of a bathroom break, or is in pain because he needs to use the bathroom like REALLY badly.

WTH is going on here?!

[Photo(s): AP]

(UPDATED) SIGHTING: Dashing Reeshard arrives in Lausanne for CAS hearing

Richard Gasquet arrived in Lausanne, Switzerland to face the Court of Arbitration Sport (CAS) for the testing positive for cocaine earlier this year.

An independent tribunal brought in by the ITF cleared the Frenchie in July - 2 1/2 months into his ban - and he was allowed to return to the ATP World Tour after claiming the substance entered his system through a tainted kiss. However, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have asked the CAS to ban Reeshard for one to two years.


I'm sure Reeshard is feeling a bit uneasy, and understandably so, after the recent 1-year bans received by Yanina Wickmayer + Xavier Malisse and the revelation by Andre Agassi that he lied about a positive drug test in 1997 and escaped a suspension.

On a positive note (no pun intended, swear) he's looking great for his court appearance. The second photo could be an ad for something though probably not this one for obvs reasons.

UPDATE: The ruling is expected to come in December.

(Photos: FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images)

VIDEO VAULT: Reeshard has white flakes everywhere (well, mostly)

In honor of Richard Gasquet's lawsuit getting dismissed by French prosecutors, essentially clearing him of any wrongdoing (yay!), and "Pamela" being sent to rehab (oh well!) let's take a look at his recent French ad campaign for Head & Shoulders.

It's good to see Reeshard having fun again, eh?

CHECK IT:



It seems he's not the only one having fun with "white flakes", though:



Thanks Sara!

(Photo: Lequipe)

Reeshard kissed a girl and he liked it (no, really)

Richard Gasquet can return to the ATP Tour following the ITF's decision on his anti-doping case.

The Frenchie could have faced a possible two-year ban from professional tennis after he was found with cocaine in his system in Miami. But during his tribunal the former prodigy claimed he received the banned substance through a contaminated drink or kiss from a woman named "Pamela" during visits to a couple of Miami clubs (the last one being a strip club - no surprise there.) He was in town, of course, to participate in the Sony Ericsson Open but withdrew before his scheduled match due to his recurring shoulder injury.

The Tribunal decided that if he knowingly used cocaine the amount found in his system would've been of a greater amount.

He was sentenced to two months and 15 days to begin on May 1, 2009 and ending today, July 15, 2009.

You can read the lengthy decision over at the ITF website.

Uh, I'm really happy Reeshard will be returning to the Tour. Maybe this is the kick in the ass he needs to get himself together finally. But does anyone REALLY believe he was kissing a girl? I'll take the dirty drink plea over that one any day.

Ya fooled 'em, Reeshard. Ya fooled 'em good.

(image via getty)

Discuss: Reeshard vs. J-Cap

So after today's shocking news about Richard Gasquet I have a question: Does anyone else see the Frenchie as the ATP's Jennifer Capriati?

I see too many similarities between his on-going saga and J-Cap's.

Discusssssss...

BREAKING: Reeshard tests positive for prohibited substance in Miami

Richard Gasquet has apparently test positive for a substance classified as a recreational drug in Miami. The news was confirmed by an official in the French Tennis Federation.

Via RMC.fr (Googley translated, of course):

The french tennis player was tested positive for a prohibited substance during a check carried out on the 1000 Miami Masters in late March.

Richard Gasquet, 23, tested positive at the 1000 Miami Masters in late March. The news has been confirmed by an official of the French Tennis Federation, and a source close to the Team Lagardère, whose structure depends on the player. Medical source, the sample A of the French showed signs of a substance prohibited in competition by the World Anti-Doping Code, such as recreational (cocaine, cannabis, etc.). The audit was conducted by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The Biterrois, 23rd global player, had to enter the tournament in the 2nd round against Spaniard Albert Montanes before forfeit a few hours before the game because of pain in the right shoulder. " Absent this week's Estoril tournament, the player of Team Lagardère withdrew today from the Madrid Masters in 1000, which was used as a launching pad for the tournament at Roland Garros.

Gasquet could encounter "only" 3 months of suspension. His presence at Porte d'Auteuil would be strongly compromised. Tennis has seen other cases of doping with cocaine: Mats Wilander (3 months) and Karel Novacek in 1995 (3 months), Martina Hingis in 2007 (2 years). FFF has not officially reacted to the news, nor is the Team Lagardère. Earlier in the afternoon, Francis Gasquet, the player's father, told RMC that his son had "fallen from the nude" in learning what was still a rumor.

Apparently, it was cocaine - potential for two year ban based on amount found in his sample. Savannah's World has the scoop.

I'm feeling so sad for Reeshard right now. Clearly he's struggling with something. Hopefully better days are ahead for the Frenchie baller.

(via savannah's world, image via getty)

Reeshard still injured and unsatisfied, shakes up Team Gasquet

Richard Gasquet, who high-kicked his way right out of Miami with a recurring shoulder injury, has made some major changes to his team.

The Frenchie headcase began the season well, making the semifinals in Brisbane + Sydney, but has struggled recently with his game. According to his website via L'Equipe:

There was a lively "team" Gasquet. Untill recently, the Frenchman, following Murray’s example, was accompanied by his coach, a physical coach and an osteopath, Since a few weeks, he does not work with his physical coach, Nicolas Pérotte, anymore and right now he also stopped working with the osteopath, Francois Teissedre.

It seems as if a disagreement about the way to deal with his recurring shoulder injury is behind the separation. “I have wished to make the relation between coach and player closer”, comments his coach, Guillaume Peyre. “Richard is only nr 25 in the world, and there were too many people around him. In addition: many people, many opinions." Gasquet, who still suffers from an inflammation of a tendon in his right shoulder, is in Béziers at the moment working on his lower body and is still not sure whether he will participate at the tournament in Monte Carlo (12-19 April). He will use the competences of specialists at the team Lagardère to deal with his physical condition.

It seems Reeshard may have been getting too many voices in his ear about the best way to handle his injury - sometimes this kind of set up works (Andy Murray) but apparently not for him.

I'm all for making major changes in Team Gasquet right now. His results are severely inconsistent and this injury can become career-threatening if not diagnosed and treated correctly. Plus, it must be a drain on his already shaky mental game to be worrying about his shoulder.

Stay tuned!

(image via getty)

PHOTO OP: Reeshard gets a Miami Dolphin sandwich

Thanks to DtL reader Alfonso for sending me this hilarious pic of Richard Gasquet joined by two Miami Dolphin cheerleaders. There's talk the Frenchie headcase withdrew from his second round match against Albert Montanes in Miami today. Can anyone confirm?

Anyway, Reeshard looks like he has no idea what to do when sandwiched between two saucy, half-dressed, cleavage-popping cheerleaders. Oh wait - he figured it out:

(images via MTF courtesy of getty)

The Frenchies get fried at Indian Wells, leave Jeremy to pick up the pieces

It was a French massacre at Indian Wells yesterday.

Gilles Simon, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Richard Gasquet, and Paul-Henri Mathieu were all unceremoniously booted from the year's first Masters 1000 tourney in straight sets within hours of each other.

Sneaky Simon continued his bad run of form as he fell to Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic 6-3, 7-6 (3); Jo-Willy was shocked by Russian Igor Andreev 7-5, 6-4; Reeshard fell to Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-3, 6-2; and Paul-Henri was stopped by Andy Murray 6-3, 6-2. Gael Monfils, Florent Serra, Olivier Patience, Julien Benneteau, Michael Llodra, Nicolas Devilder, and Marc Gicquel have already been knocked out of the tourney.

Maybe it's a hangover for their country's poor showing in Davis Cup's opening tie where they were defeated by the Czech Republic 3-2 and where Sneaky Simon failed to win either of his rubbers. Or maybe some of them have been too distracted by some off-court Frenchie lovin'. I'm thinking the boys could use a strong leader right now - Sneaky's clearly not up to the task.


Whatever the case, the French will now have to rest their hopes on Jeremy Chardy who will face Spaniard David Ferrer for a spot in the quarterfinals.

(images via getty)

PHOTO OP: Richard + Gonzo share intimate post-match moment

Richard Gasquet + Fernando Gonzalez were spotted basking in the afterglow of their epic third round match in Melbourne.

The pair battled for four hours (and through Richard's broken toenail) with Gonzo eventually coming back from 2 sets to love down and saving a match point to defeat his Frenchie foe 3-6, 3-6, 7-6(10), 6-2, 12-10. He'll next face top baller Rafael Nadal for a spot in the Aussie Open quarterfinals.

It warms my heart (and a few other places) to see Richard + Gonzo get so touchy-feely with each other after the heat of the battle. Now I'm thinking Gonzo was trying to one up someone else entirely the other day.

(image via WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)

PHOTO OP: Shocked Richard upsets Sneaky Simon, puts hand to mouth

Richard Gasquet looked absolutely stunned during his second round match against compatriot Gilles Simon today in Sydney. The Frenchie headcase upset Sneaky Simon 6-4, 6-4 and will meet meet another Frenchie, Jeremy Chardy, for a spot in the final four.

I wonder why Richard's so shocked. Could it be the current World No.24 can't believe he actually beat another top-tenner or that Sneaky Simon actually hit 10 double faults in the match?

I'm feeling a combo platter here.

(image via GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)

PHOTO OP: Elated Gasquet thinks he can dance - you be the judge!

My darkhorse of the men's draw, Richard Gasquet, is starting to make me look like I know what I'm talking about. The Frenchie headcase seems to be pulling his game together at Wimbledon, hitting 16 aces to take down compatriot Gilles Simon 6-3, 6-3, 6-7 (3), 6-3 and make the round of 16 where he'll meet homeboy Andy Murray. Can he be any happier here?

Anyway, I was really impressed with the incredible moves the "Frenchie with flair" busted out in taking down Gilles. So you think you can dance Richard? Let the readers be the judge!






(images via Getty)

WIMBLEDON 2008 PREVIEW: The boys

For the last few years, all talk of Wimbledon used to begin and end with Roger Federer and his dominance on the green lawns of Centre Court. But after going 0-2 in Grand Slams and only grabbing two small titles (Estoril, Halle) so far this season, pundits and fans alike are saying his reign at The All-England Club could take a big hit by the likes of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and a host of other capable grass-loving ballers. Let's take a look!

“Roger Federer is done.” That seems to be the mantra these days after the Swiss was obliterated by Rafael Nadal in the French Open final 2 weeks ago. But let’s face the facts: The world no. 1 lost on his least favored surface to arguably the best clay-court baller EVER playing his A+ game, so full credit to Rafa. But, Wimbledon and Fed go together like the ubiquitous (and apparently outrageously priced) strawberries + cream at The All-England Club and he owns a staggering 59 straight matches on the grass - nothing to sneeze at Bjorn Borg! A sixth consecutive Wimbledon championship is not out of the question for the world no. 1, no matter what the haters say.

Rafael Nadal is riding some serious momentum after crushing Fed for his fourth consecutive Roland Garros crown. A finalist the last 2 years at The All-England Club, the Mallorcan Matador won his first grass-court title ever when he defeated Andy Roddick then Novak Djokovic in a thrilling Queen’s Club final, becoming the first Spaniard in 36 years to accomplish the feat. Rafa has transitioned from clay to grass with near perfection this year and made subtle but smart adjustments to his game for the surface including a stronger serve, flatter forehand and closer baseline stance. All of these elements together make himself a strong favorite for the title, becoming the first man to accomplish the "double" since Bjorn Borg in 1980.

Though Novak Djokovic gave up big leads in that Queen’s Club loss to Rafa, the Serb served notice that after only three years ever playing on the green stuff, his game is well-suited for the surface: his strokes are flat, his game athletic and his competitiveness is second to none. A semifinal loser the last two years to Rafa, the trash-talking Aussie Open champ will be keen to take the next step towards a second Grand Slam this year and continue his march towards the top ranking. But the 21-year old ended up in the top half of the draw with a Federer semifinal looming - could it be deja vu for Nole?

The world of Andy Roddick has been quiet since his injury withdrawal (shoulder) from the Rome semifinals. But the American baller reappeared last week at Queen’s Club looking recovered but short of match play, falling to Rafa in the quarterfinals. A-Rod can take solace in the fact that he's beaten the top three ballers in the world this year, snapping a 11-match losing streak to Fed, and made the finals of Wimbledon in 2005 and 2006 on the back of his trademark powerful serve. No one would be surprised if A-Rod made it deep in the draw this year but what's surprising is his seeding at no. 6 this year below Nikolay Davydenko (4) and David Ferrer (5). Fortunately for A-Rod, though, the draw gods were smiling on him today with Kolya and James Blake the highest seeds in his section.

I have a “tough love” approach towards my darkhorse pick Richard Gasquet. I’m fighting myself even as I write this preview since I’ve been hyper-critical of the Frenchie baller this year. But his colorful game seems to come alive on the grass, particularly that ethereal backhand down the line. How can anyone forget watching that shot pick away at A-Rod’s hopes, and his 2 set lead, in last year’s epic quarterfinal win for Richard? Moreover, the 22-year old recently brought in Guillaume Peyrea as coach which will hopefully bring a refreshed approach. Richard has been due for a major breakthrough and there’s no place like Wimbledon to make that happen.

Also, keep and eye out for the lass from Latvia, Ernests Gulbis. The big-swinging baller with the lovely locks is in Rafa's section of the draw and could meet the Spaniard in the second round. With his big serve and power groundies, Ernests could trouble the French Open champ particularly this early in the tourney. And, if he gets past Rafa anything could happen for him.

Click here for the full men's draw.

(image via Getty)

SIGHTING: Mauresmo + Gasquet practicing something for French Open...hopefully it's tennis

They were supposed to be two of France's best bets for a homegrown French Open champion but they had other plans. And both were spotted today getting in practice for their native Grand Slam next week.

Amelie Mauresmo, who hasn't played a match since losing in the quarterfinals of Amelia Island to finalist Dominika Cibulkova citing a rib injury, will make an attempt at the draw if her fragile body holds up:

I'm in Paris already, I cannot wait to be able to play at a full flow and be free of this sly and persistent pain. I'll go for a hit on Court Central if weather permits,the rest of the schedule is training and care.

Richard Gasquet, who seems to be ignoring my recommended mental sabbatical, practiced with new coach Guillaume Peyre on Court Central and looks to still be having fits and punishing his racquet for it (though he may want to try actually hitting a ball with the thing.)

Let's be honest - what are their chances for making any impact at the tourney? I'm thinking Jo-Wilfried Tsonga with his bum knee and Alize Cornet's inexperience are the better bets right now. I'd even put down Fabrice "the Magician" Santoro with one wand tied behind his Lacoste-wearing back over either of them.

(image via Getty)

Gasquet looks to revive career, dumps coach Deblicker

You'd have to be deaf, dumb, and blind not to see this one coming: Richard Gasquet, who I've been none-too-kind towards for his failings this season, has decided to split with his coach since 2004, Eric Deblicker. The Frenchman will now be coached Guillaume Peyre from Team Lagardere, his management company.

The world no. 9 had this to say about his former coach:

Eric remains my friend and the one who helped me into the top 10.

Well this is a great first step in reviving his career and fulfilling his great potential - but I'm not holding my breath just yet.

(image via Getty)

THE LOW DOWN: Gasquet may skip French Open - did he read my open letter?

Sometimes it's fun to think that you write these posts, blogging about things you think you know about and maybe, just maybe, some of the ballers are actually reading them. Fine - not likely but weirder things have happened (right Justine?).

Such is the case with Richard Gasquet. I wrote an open letter to the Frenchman laying out the terrible start to his year and suggesting he skip Roland Garros and take a sabbatical - well, more to the effect of taking time off to hook up with one of Amelie Mauresmo's fave sports shrinks.

Now comes word today that Richard, who lost in Hamburg's second round today 6-3, 6-2 to Andrea Seppi, is considering skipping his country's Slam to catch a break after a successful 2007:

I am completely burned out. I haven’t fully recovered from the efforts I made last year. And I am paying for it at the moment. I am not fit to play tennis - running, moving, everything is becoming difficult.

I am going to cut myself off for the week. Forgetting about my racquet can’t do me any harm. For Roland Garros, we will see. Don’t expect a big tournament from me if I take part in it.

It is nearly two years since I have had a break. I miss that. Imagine what I would do at Roland Garros, it would not be nice for anyone.

Hallelujah! No Richard, it wouldn't be nice for anyone, including yourself, to see you struggle and lose early in Paris in front of the notoriously fickle French fans.

Who knows what could happen as you perform the walk of shame towards the locker room - barraged by baguettes? made to eat cake?? Again, ask Amelie because she's been there. You two could be BFF's right now sharing war stories about life on the tour, being too self-conscious, lacking real tenacity and grit, etc. You know what I'm talking about...

Anyway, take the break. I wouldn't say you've earned it per se but you certainly need it.

(image via Getty)