Rafael Nadal's pre-match habit before playing lower-ranked players revealed by longtime rival Richard Gasquet

Rafael Nadal's unusual pre-match practice was revealed by rival Richard Gasquet as the latter engaged in a lighthearted chat with Adrian Mannarino and David Goffin. The stars sat for a round table conversation ahead of the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (referred to as UTS hereon) tour sharing fun moments from their career and their encounters with tennis legends like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

The UTS is an innovative tennis league founded in 2020 by coach Patrick Mouratoglou who is known for training players like Serena Williams, Simona Halep, and Holger Rune. The tournament was won by Alex de Minaur last year and is set to be held this year on April 4-5.

Gasquet revealed how Nadal tried to keep himself grounded ahead of matches, no matter who he was facing. A clip was posted on the official Instagram account of the UTS tour from an unreleased episode of their All on the Table talk show. According to the Frenchman, Toni Nadal added to the Spaniard's moment of caution before matches.

"Nadal if he has to play against a regional-level player, he’ll tell you he has to play a good match...He will tell that he has to do a great match. Toni Nadal will say: 'You know the guy is doing pretty well. Let's be careful you never know'," he said.

He further questioned if his nerves were real as compatriot Mannarino mentioned that he would do the same thing before facing a qualifier on clay as well.

"But I don’t know if he’s genuinely scared. I think it’s a good question," added Gasquet.

His rivalry with Rafael Nadal was lopsided as the Spaniard always had the better of him.

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Rafael Nadal's rivalry with Richard Gasquet

Rafael Nadal and Richard Gasquet at the 2022 US Open - Source: Getty

Tennis stars Rafael Nadal and Richard Gasquet met each other for the first time when they were just 12. Having faced each other in 18 matches and numerous practice sessions in their pro careers, they share a great camaraderie both on and off the court.

The Frenchman also said that he was extremely disheartened to have not even defeated him once in his pro career after the Spaniard announced his retirement.

"It's a huge regret for me not to have beaten him. Now he's gone so I won't beat him again," Gasquet said on the Super Moscato Show. (translated from French)

Gasquet has spoken about his challenges while playing the 22-time Grand Slam champion on multiple occasions but has always spoken highly of him.