Wonderful World of Tennis / Simon Mundie / 15 July 2008 /

Simon Mundie wonders why the likes of Richard Gasquet and Paul-Henri Mathieu can't close out the big matches and looks at how the likes of Lleyton Hewitt have relied on grit and determination to win some of the game's biggest prizes

The 2008 men's final at Wimbledon was the longest in history, and will certainly go down as one of the greatest matches ever seen on the Centre Court; the top two players in the game pushing each other to produce their best tennis when it mattered most.

Apart from the sublime skills Federer ([2.5] to win the US Open) and Nadal [3.85] both have, it's that ability to raise their games under extreme pressure that separates them from the rest of the pack. It's often argued that on any given day, any player within the top 100 can beat anyone else. Yet players like the Wimbledon finalists have the rare ability to produce the goods when it matters time and time again, and that's what allows them to stand apart from players who have the on court skills but not the mental fortitude to take them right to the very top.

Take Richard Gasquet ([110] for US Open glory) as a case in point. Here is a player who has long been talked about as a potential Grand Slam Champion, blessed with all the necessary on court armoury; possibly the best single handed backhand in the game, power and finesse in equal measure, and a wonderful shotmaking ability.

He burst onto the scene in 2002, becoming the youngest player to win a round in a Masters Series event at the tender age of just 15 years and 10 months. However, since then he has only really flattered to deceive- reaching only one Grand Slam semi-final last year at Wimbledon.

Of course he's only 22 years old now, so he could well go on and have the stellar career that so many people predicted he would. But it is becoming increasingly apparent that he isn't adept at coping with pressure. He was recently lambasted in his home country for not playing the French Open citing injury, with many people suspecting he was really worried about his poor form and the level of expectation he faced playing in front of his countrymen.

Compare that with Rafael Nadal, who at 22 is the same age as Gasquet. Here is a player who has succeeded in surpassing the lofty expectations that have surrounded him; already being a five time Grand Slam Champion. Of course he has incredible physical gifts at his disposal, but it's his never say die attitude and his strength of character that have enabled him to become the best.

It first became evident during the Davis Cup Final in 2004, where he was picked as a singles player ahead of Juan Carlos Ferrero - which was considered a risky move at the time. He defeated Andy Roddick in front of his home crowd to effectively seal the tie; prompting Roddick to describe him as a 'Big Match player'. He was not in any way intimidated by the occasion; indeed the pressure actually helped him to perform, rather than hinder him.

The Frenchman Paul Henri Mathieu found himself in a similar situation in 2002. That season's ATP newcomer of the year played and lost the decisive fifth rubber of the Davis Cup final from 2 sets up to Mikhail Youzhny. That heart-wrenching loss set the tone for the next few years of Mathieu's career, and even now he's known as someone who doesn't really have the stomach for a fight. It's difficult to quantify that elusive quality that Mathieu lacks, and it's even more difficult to overcome it on the practise court; yet it's almost certain to stop him from ever being more than someone who can produce the odd big upset but not the really big performances that could define his career.

Contrast that with someone like Lleyton Hewitt. Although not the force he once was, during his pomp he was someone who could produce when the chips were down. He is certainly no more talented that Mathieu, yet has won two Grand Slam titles and finished the year as the World's number 1 on two separate occasions.

The way in which he calmly disposed of Pete Sampras to win the US Open in 2001 showed his mettle, and that's why even now he can't be entirely written off. He still has the ability to raise his game at the key moments, and has the deeply held belief that he is a Champion. And it's that belief that defines the very best of any generation. Players can't fake it, and it's impossible to be taught how to have it. Yet for those of us that love following the great game of tennis, it's the most important thing to look out for when trying to spot the Champions of the future.

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