N. D. Prashant
Doha: If you make it to eight finals from the 11 tournaments you compete in, it speaks volumes of the form you are in. Frenchman Gregory Gaultier did just that and fulfilled his long lasting goal to be the world no 1 squash player this season.
“It’s a great feeling to be the world No 1. After being world No 2 and 3 for past three years, I was wondering if I will ever be able to make the top spot. This season, I was very consistent and kept making it to the semis and finals of almost all competitions. This helped me to reach my goal that I had dreamt since I was a kid,” said Gaultier who won the top billing after reaching the final of the Hong Kong Open in October.
However, the 26-year-old from Aix-en-Provence is in no mood to rest on his laurels and is keen to end the season with a bang. He has set sight on the Qatar Classic where, he lost out in the finals in 2007.
“This is a title I would like to win. Though the difference between the top 10 players is marginal, I’m better prepared for this tournament this time round and Insha Allah if I win the title, it will be a great way to end the season,” said Gaultier, who received a tremendous reception back home.
Gaultier has been living under the shadow of his compatriot Thierry Lincou ever since he hit the junior circuit and gives lot of credit for his success to the former world no 1.
“I have always looked up to him (Lincou) and it’s always great to train with him. He has so much experience. He is very happy for me. His presence has done a world of good to my confidence,” said Gaultier who feels that his success would draw more youth to the sport in his country.
“My title was a much needed boost for the sport in France. The media coverage that I received was phenomenal and I’m sure it would do a world of good to the sport in my country. Already, there are some good youngsters coming up. You will be seeing them soon. But of course if you have someone at the top to look up to then the task becomes easier,” said Gaultier, whose significant milestone came in September 2007 when he beat compatriot Lincou to win the all-French British Open final and became the first Frenchman to win the title in the event’s 77-year history.
However, Gaultier would like to see more tournaments coming their way in France. “As of now, we just have one tournament in Paris. But the federation is trying for another one in 2010 and if that comes through, it would be a big boost.”
Gaultier asserts that the world No 1 tag has relieved him a lot and now he can concentrate on his game better. “There was a stage when I thought if I would ever be able to make that rank. So, now I am a satisfied man. All I have to think now is to excel from now on. I have concentrate on improving with every match,” added Gaultier who feels that the competition in the men’s section is fierce and he would have to always on his toes to sustain there.
“It’s not just about a couple of guys. The competition in the men’s section is between the top 10. So you always have to be on the top of your game when you enter the court. It’s going to be an exciting contest here and I’m looking forward to it,” concluded Gaultier.
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