French Hopman Cup winners at Ricoh Open

Kristina Mladenovic and Richard Gasquet have confirmed their participation in the Ricoh Open.

Mladenovic reached her highest position so far, 18, in the world rankings in March. The 23-year-old French player won her first singles title at the WTA tournament of St. Petersburg in February. The 2016 Ricoh Open finalist is even more successful in the doubles with three Grand Slam titles: at the Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Earlier this year Mladenovic  won the Hopman Cup together with her fellow countryman Richard Gasquet. Traditionally this prestigious national team tournament is organized at the beginning of the season to prepare for the Australian Open.

Gasquet is the current number 23 of the world ranking, but last year he was ranked in the top 10. The 30-year-old stylist, whose trademark is his beautiful single-handed backhand, plays well on grass. The Frenchman reached the semifinal at Wimbledon twice, where he had to acknowledge the superiority of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic respectively. Gasquet plays for the second time at the Ricoh Open. In 2008 he reached the second round.