Australian Open 2017: 8 Patchy Players Who Could Surprise You

#5. Richard Gasquet

The Frenchman could turn out to be a surprise package at the Australian Open

The Frenchman has had a total roller-coaster career with his form being totally sinusoidal since 2007. Gasquet had a good season in 2015 where he reached his second Wimbledon semi-final and his third Grand Slam semi-final. Last year, Gasquet produced a couple of decent performances but issues with his back resulted in inconsistent performances and he fell out of the Top 15, having ended the year ranked 18^th.Known for his complete game and elegant backhand, Gasquet could have achieved much more in his career than he has if it were not for his injury struggles. Gasquet’s performances in Grand Slams have been good, having reached at least the quarter-finals of three Grand Slams. The Australian Open in the only major where Gasquet is yet to reach the quarter-finals, having reached the fourth round on four occasions in 2007, 2008, 2012, and 2013.Gasquet has looked in good form this year so far, having helped France to victory at the Hopman Cup alongside Kristina Mladenovic. In the Australian Open, Gasquet has been drawn in Section 8 of the main draw and is expected to reach the third round with ease. At the third round, Gasquet would face 15^th seed Grigor Dimitrov who has been in good form lately, having won the Brisbane International a few days back.Even if Gasquet beats Dimitrov, he would have to carry out the Herculean task of defeating Novak Djokovic in the fourth round. However, a player like Gasquet cannot be just written off as he has beaten Djokovic once and if he somehow triumphs over Djokovic then there is a good chance Gasquet might even reach his fourth Grand Slam semi-final as then he would be up against either Dominic Thiem or David Goffin in the quarter-finals. Nonetheless, Gasquet looks to be in fine shape and he would be eager to prove a point in the Australian Open.