Richard Gasquet is confident he can derail Roger Federer’s Wimbledon ambitions when the pair meet on Centre Court later on Thursday.
In 20 career meetings, the Frenchman has won just two times but, on the evidence of Federer’s first-round scare against Adrian Mannarino, believes he can cause a day four upset.
“There is only one Roger Federer,” he said. “He’s a classic player, he’s an incredible player, the best player to watch. But it’s a big chance for me to go there and try my best to play the best match and win.”
Gasquet knows the odds are stacked against him – he has not won a single set in the past 22 between the pair but he is only just back to full fitness after a long-term injury battle.
He said: “I’m playing for this. When I saw the first round, I saw the draw, I knew I could play Roger in the second round. It’s wonderful for me because I will play on Centre Court. It’s Roger Federer, I’ve played him many times, I’m practising for this.
“I’m trying my best to play and it’s crazy for me to play up against Roger. I had some injuries in the past two years but… I’m still playing on big stages. I did at Roland Garros, I can do it again on Centre Court. For many years, I didn’t play on it, so I’m very happy I can face him again. I’ll try my best to win.”
