"I didn’t expect him to play at this level after Roland Garros," Cobolli discusses Gasquet after their Hopman Cup clash

This Friday, Italy secured a spot in the Hopman Cup final, held in Bari this year. Flavio Cobolli contributed to his country’s victory over France, defeating Richard Gasquet—who came out of retirement for the occasion—in straight sets (6-2, 6-4).

During the press conference, the world No. 19 expressed his admiration for the Frenchman, who played the final match of his career on the main tour in the second round of Roland Garros against Jannik Sinner.

"I’ve played against him several times this year. I felt good from the start. I had a clear idea of what I needed to do. I didn’t expect him to play at this level after Roland Garros.

It’s always a pleasure to play against him. Richard (Gasquet) is an opponent I greatly admire and a person I respect. He helped me and my father when I was struggling.

In Bucharest (where Cobolli had beaten Gasquet in three sets), he came to see us and shared very useful advice. He didn’t owe us anything, but he was very kind," Cobolli told Tennis World Italia in recent hours.