Richard Gasquet Leads France to Victory Over Croatia in Hopman Cup
Richard Gasquet's comeback secures France's win over Croatia at the Hopman Cup.
Key Points
- • France triumphs 2-1 against Croatia in Hopman Cup.
- • Richard Gasquet, 39, wins crucial match after returning from retirement.
- • Chloé Paquet loses her singles match to Donna Vekic.
- • France advances to face Italy for a chance to reach the finals.
In an impressive comeback, Richard Gasquet propelled France to a 2-1 victory against Croatia at the 2025 Hopman Cup held in Bari, Italy. At 39 and recently returned from retirement, Gasquet, ranked 182nd in the ATP, showcased his skill by defeating Duje Ajdukovic, ranked 177th, with scores of 5-7, 6-2, 10-6. This victory was crucial for France's advancement, despite Chloé Paquet's loss to Donna Vekic (ranked 52nd), who secured a straightforward 6-3, 6-3 win against Paquet.
"Richard showed incredible tenacity and determination in his match, which was pivotal for our team's success today," remarked a team spokesperson. France clinched the overall win when Croatia opted out of the mixed doubles match, which led to an unopposed victory for the French team.
Looking ahead, France is set to face Italy, who recently defeated Croatia 2-1, with the winner earning a spot in the finals scheduled for Sunday. The Hopman Cup, known for featuring mixed teams from six nations and renowned for its competitive spirit, returned in 2023 after a four-year hiatus, adding significant excitement to this year's tournament.