Gasquet seeks fresh start

Richard Gasquet admits he’s searching for ways to lift a sagging 19th ATP ranking as the Frenchman prepares to play for his country starting with the opening-day tie on Saturday at the Hopman Cup mixed teams event.

Gasquet, a one-time prodigy who has been tipped for greatness in France for a decade, is still trying to fulfil the hopes of his teenaged years. He once stood seventh in the world.

The 25-year-old is starting his 2012 season with a fresh approach as he plays Perth for the first time, with Marion Bartoli as his partner. France open round-robin play on New Year’s Eve against China, which boasts French Open champion Li Na and untested Wu Dix, ranked 42nd.

“I’ve never played here (Perth), it’s good to practise, it’s good to prepare and to get ready for Melbourne,” Gasquet told local media on Tuesday after a hit-up with Australian Matthew Eden. “I played a lot in Brisbane (the ATP event the same week), I wanted to change it a bit.”

Gasquet and Wu have never played, while Li and number nine Bartoli are 1-1, with the Chinese winning their last meeting in Dubai in 2010.

Gasquet stands more than 400 spots higher than Wu and should be counted on taking a point for France.

The eight-nation competition includes singles and a mixed doubles rubber.

Gasquet said his goal is to return to a place in the tennis elite, “I’m trying to break into the top 10, I did it some years ago and I’m not far.”