View source for Fred Gil

{{Short description|Portuguese tennis player (born 1985)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox tennis biography
| name                  = Frederico Gil
| fullname              = João Frederico Limpo Franco Gil<ref name="fullname">{{cite web | url=http://www.cmjornal.xl.pt/domingo/detalhe/frederico-gil.html | title=Frederico Gil|website=[[Correio da Manhã (Portugal)|Correio da Manhã]]|access-date=29 November 2015|date=24 April 2011}}</ref>
| image                 = Frederico Gil at Apia International, Sydney 2012.jpg
| country               = {{flagu|Portugal}}
| residence             = [[Sintra]], Portugal
| birth_date            = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1985|03|24}}
| birth_place           = [[Lisbon]], Portugal
| height                = {{height|m=1.73|precision=0}}
| turnedpro             = 2003
| retired               = 
| plays                 = Right-handed (one-handed backhand; until 2015 two-handed backhand)
| coach                 = [[João Cunha e Silva]] <small>(2003–11)</small><br>Juan Esparcia <small>(2011–12)</small><br>[[Bernardo Mota]] <small>(2012)</small><br>Vasco Antunes <small>(2013–)</small>
| careerprizemoney      = [[US$|$]]1,453,933
| singlesrecord         = {{tennis record|won=67|lost=74|details=in [[Grand Slam (tennis)|Grand Slam]] and [[ATP World Tour]] main draw matches, and in [[Davis Cup]]|small=yes}}{{#tag:ref|The official ATP records are incomplete as they do not count two Davis Cup losses against Serbia and Montenegro in 2004.|group=lower-alpha}}
| singlestitles         = 0
| highestsinglesranking = No. 62 (25 April 2011)
| currentsinglesranking = 
| AustralianOpenresult  = 3R ([[2012 Australian Open – Men's singles#Section 4|2012]])
| FrenchOpenresult      = 1R ([[2008 French Open – Men's singles#Section 7|2008]], [[2009 French Open – Men's singles#Section 1|2009]], [[2011 French Open – Men's singles#Section 2|2011]])
| Wimbledonresult       = 1R ([[2008 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles#Section 6|2008]], [[2009 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles#Section 2|2009]], [[2010 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles|2010]], [[2011 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles#Section 1|2011]])
| USOpenresult          = 1R ([[2008 US Open – Men's singles#Section 8|2008]], [[2009 US Open – Men's singles#Section 3|2009]], [[2010 US Open – Men's singles#Section 4|2010]], [[2011 US Open – Men's singles#Section 1|2011]])
| doublesrecord         = {{tennis record|won=23|lost=35}}{{#tag:ref|The official ATP records are incomplete as they do not count one Davis Cup loss against Serbia and Montenegro in 2004.|group=lower-alpha}}
| doublestitles         = 1
| highestdoublesranking = No. 105 (20 September 2010)
| currentdoublesranking = No. 1268 (11 December 2023)
| AustralianOpenDoublesresult = 1R ([[2010 Australian Open – Men's doubles#Section 4|2010]], [[2012 Australian Open – Men's doubles#Section 3|2012]])
| FrenchOpenDoublesresult     = 1R ([[2011 French Open – Men's doubles#Section 1|2011]])
| WimbledonDoublesresult      = 2R ([[2008 Wimbledon Championships – Men's doubles#Section 1|2008]])
| USOpenDoublesresult         = 3R ([[2010 US Open – Men's doubles#Section 3|2010]])
| updated = 5 June 2018
}}

'''João Frederico Limpo Franco Gil'''<ref name="fullname" /> (born 24 March 1985), known as '''Fred Gil''' ({{IPA|pt|fɾɨðɨˈɾiku ˈfɾɛð ˈʒil}}), was a [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] professional [[tennis]] player, who competed in the [[ITF Men's Circuit]]. He reached a career-high [[Association of Tennis Professionals|ATP]] singles ranking of No. 62 in the world on 25 April 2011. <ref name="rankinghistory">{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/players/frederico-gil/g717/rankings-history | title=Frederico Gil ATP Ranking History | publisher=Association of Tennis Professionals | access-date=28 November 2015}}</ref>

Gil made some Portuguese tennis major breakthroughs during his career. At the [[2010 Estoril Open]], he was the first Portuguese to reach an ATP Tour final,<ref name="2010estoril">{{cite web|title=Frederico Gil na final do Estoril Open [Frederico Gil in the Estoril Open final]|url=https://expresso.sapo.pt/desporto/frederico-gil-na-final-do-estoril-open=f581459|website=[[Expresso (newspaper)|Expresso]]|access-date=28 November 2015|language=pt|date=9 May 2010}}</ref> and in April 2011, he achieved a career-high singles world ranking of 62<ref name="rank62">{{cite web|title=Frederico Gil sobe ao 62.º posto do ranking ATP [Frederico Gil rises to 62nd place in the ATP ranking]|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/modalidades/tenis/estoril-open/2011/detalhe/frederico-gil-sobe-ao-62o-posto-do-ranking-atp-694374.html|website=[[Record (Portuguese newspaper)|Record]]|access-date=28 November 2015|language=pt|date=25 April 2011}}{{Dead link|date=December 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> – the highest ever for a Portuguese player until he was surpassed by [[Rui Machado]] in September that same year.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rui Machado melhor português de sempre com o 59.º posto [Rui Machado best Portuguese ever with 59th place]|url=https://www.dn.pt/desporto/outras-modalidades/interior/rui-machado-melhor-portugues-de-sempre-com-o-59-posto-2032141.html|website=[[Diário de Notícias]]|access-date=30 November 2015|language=pt|date=3 October 2011}}</ref> Gil was the first Portuguese man to reach the third round in a [[Grand Slam (tennis)|Grand Slam]] singles event ([[2012 Australian Open]]) and the quarterfinals of a [[ATP World Tour Masters 1000|Masters 1000]] event ([[2011 Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters|2011 Monte-Carlo Masters]]).<ref name="2012australianopen">{{cite web|title=Open da Austrália: Tsonga "atropela" Frederico Gil [Australian Open: Tsonga "runs over" Frederico Gil]|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/modalidades/tenis/detalhe/open-da-australia-tsonga-atropela-frederico-gil-737043.html|website=[[Record (Portuguese newspaper)|Record]]|access-date=28 November 2015|language=pt|date=21 January 2012}}</ref><ref name="2011montecarlo">{{cite web|title=Gil é o primeiro português nos "quartos" de um Masters 1000 [Gil is the first Portuguese at the "quarters" in a Masters 1000]|url=http://www.tsf.pt/desporto/outras-modalidades/interior/gil-e-o-primeiro-portugues-nos-quartos-de-um-masters-1000-1830583.html|website=[[TSF (radio station)|TSF]]|access-date=28 November 2015|language=pt|date=14 April 2011}}</ref> He was the first Portuguese to hit one million dollars in career prize money.<ref>{{cite web|title=João Sousa gives Portugal its first ever ATP Tour win|url=https://theportugaltimes.wordpress.com/2013/09/30/joao-sousa-gives-portugal-its-first-ever-atp-tour-win/|website=The Portugal Times|access-date=28 November 2015|date=30 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208232539/https://theportugaltimes.wordpress.com/2013/09/30/joao-sousa-gives-portugal-its-first-ever-atp-tour-win/|archive-date=8 December 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2009, Gil became the second Portuguese player to reach the singles top 100 (after [[Nuno Marques]]), and in October 2010, he and Rui Machado were the first Portuguese duo to rank inside the top 100 simultaneously.<ref name="machadogil">{{cite web|title=Machado e Gil são exemplo para o País [Machado and Gil are examples for the country]|url=https://www.dn.pt/desporto/outras-modalidades/interior/machado-e-gil-sao-exemplo-para-o-pais-1697831.html|website=[[Diário de Notícias]]|access-date=29 November 2015|language=pt|date=29 October 2010}}</ref> Gil was coached by João Cunha e Silva, until he fired him during a tournament after an anger rage.<ref name="vascoantunes">{{cite web|title=Frederico Gil define equipa técnica [Frederico Gil defines coaching staff]|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/modalidades/tenis/detalhe/frederico-gil-define-equipa-tecnica-808624.html|website=[[Record (Portuguese newspaper)|Record]]|access-date=29 November 2015|date=8 March 2013}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Frederico "Fred" Gil was born in [[São Jorge de Arroios (Lisbon)|São Jorge de Arroios]], [[Lisbon]].<ref name="fullname" /> His father Rui worked for an insurance company and his mother Carlota is a mathematics teacher.<ref name="atpbio">{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/players/frederico-gil/g717/bio | title=Frederico Gil ATP Biography | access-date=28 November 2015}}</ref> He has a younger sister named Ana.<ref name="atpbio" />

Gil started playing tennis at the age of four on a court built in his family's grounds.<ref name="expresso">{{cite web|title=Frederico Gil: Não sou muito talentoso [Frederico Gil – 'I am not very talented']|url=https://expresso.sapo.pt/desporto/frederico-gil-nao-sou-muito-talentoso=f499871|website=[[Expresso (newspaper)|Expresso]]|access-date=29 November 2015|language=pt|date=27 February 2009}}</ref> He joined a local club when he was 7, and won his first tournament shortly after.<ref name="expresso" /> Aged 10, Gil was diagnosed with [[osteochondroma]] and was told to give up from tennis.<ref name="expresso" /> However, three years later he was fully recovered and restarted training to become a professional player.<ref name="expresso" /> In 2003, Gil joined the Clube Escola Ténis de [[Oeiras, Portugal|Oeiras]], led by his mentor and future coach, whom he would later abandon [[João Cunha e Silva]].<ref name="expresso" /><ref name="cunhasilvatreinador">{{cite web|title=Frederico Gil abandona Cunha e Silva [Frederico Gil leaves Cunha e Silva]|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/modalidades/tenis/detalhe/frederico-gil-abandona-cunha-e-silva-713033.html|website=[[Record (Portuguese newspaper)|Record]]|access-date=28 November 2015|language=pt|date=20 August 2011}}</ref>

Gil's favorite club is [[S.L. Benfica]].<ref name="atpbio" /> While growing up, his idol was [[Andre Agassi]] and his favorite hobbies include computers, video games, internet, gadgets and golf.<ref name="atpbio" /><ref name="expresso" /> He has been a guest commentator at Portuguese [[Eurosport]] transmissions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Frederico Gil assume função de comentador|trans-title=Frederico Gil takes commentator position|url=http://www.noticiasaominuto.com/fama/444566/frederico-gil-assume-funcao-de-comentador|website=Notícias ao Minuto|access-date=29 November 2015|language=pt|date=2 September 2015}}</ref> Gil's former coaches include Cunha e Silva, Juan Esparcia and [[Bernardo Mota]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Gil coloca termo à relação com Juan Esparcia [Frederico Gil puts an end to the relationship with Juan Esparcia]|url=http://tenis-portugal.com/2012/06/20/gil-coloca-termo-a-relacao-com-juan-esparcia/|website=Tenis Portugal|access-date=28 November 2015|language=pt|date=20 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Tenista termina relação de trabalho com Bernardo Mota|trans-title=Tennis player ends work relationship with Bernardo Mota|url=http://www.tenis.pt/2012-09-13-23-52-08/artigos/noticias/11658-tenista-termina-relacao-de-trabalho-com-bernardo-mota|website=[[Portuguese Tennis Federation]]|access-date=28 November 2015|language=pt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208070004/http://www.tenis.pt/2012-09-13-23-52-08/artigos/noticias/11658-tenista-termina-relacao-de-trabalho-com-bernardo-mota|archive-date=8 December 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2016, Gil modified his name on the professional tour from Frederico Gil to Fred Gil.
Gil is known for his unstable temper, which lead to him impulsively cut ties with coaches and partners.
He currently coaches amateur students at the tennis court at his parents' house.

==Career==

===2000–2003: Junior years===
Gil made his debut in a junior tournament in July 2000 at the [[ITF Junior Circuit#Tournament grades|Grade 4]] Taça Diogo Nápoles in [[Porto]], by playing the main draw in the doubles event.<ref name="ITFjuniorcircuit">{{cite web | url=http://www.itftennis.com/juniors/players/player/profile.aspx?playerid=100002975 | title=Frederico Gil: Junior Activity | publisher=[[International Tennis Federation]] | access-date=30 November 2015}}</ref> His first main draw singles event came later in August in [[Vila do Conde]].<ref name="ITFjuniorcircuit" /> Though Gil won his first title in his maiden finals presence at a doubles event in March 2001 in [[Panama]], his first singles title did not occur until February 2002 in [[Bolivia]].<ref name="ITFjuniorcircuit" /> Until his last appearance in a junior event in December 2003, Gil won three singles titles out of six finals, and conquered six doubles titles in eight finals attempts.<ref name="ITFjuniorcircuit" />

At junior Grand Slam, he debuted at the [[2002 French Open]] doubles event and played all four Grand Slam tournaments in 2003, reaching the third round twice.<ref name="ITFjuniorcircuit" /> At [[ITF Junior Circuit#Tournament grades|Grade A]] events, Gil reached the 2003 singles final and won the 2002 and 2003 doubles finals of the [[Banana Bowl]], as well as the quarterfinals of the singles event at the 2003 [[Orange Bowl (tennis)|Orange Bowl]].<ref name="ITFjuniorcircuit" /> He finished 2003 season at no. 10 in the world junior rankings.<ref name="atpbio" />

After making early attempts in 2000, Gil entered his first [[Satellite tournament|Satellite]] main draw event in May 2002 in [[Espinho, Portugal|Espinho]], and his first [[ITF Futures|Futures]] main draw event in July that same year.<ref name="ITFprocircuit">{{cite web | url=http://www.itftennis.com/procircuit/players/player/profile.aspx?playerid=100002975 | title=Frederico Gil: Pro Activity | publisher=[[International Tennis Federation]] | access-date=30 November 2015}}</ref> In 2003, his final junior season, Gil turned professional after entering his first singles main draw event at a Futures event in Espinho in February.<ref name="ITFprocircuit" /><ref name="atpprofile">{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/players/enwiki/G717/overview | title=Frederico Gil ATP profile | publisher=Association of Tennis Professionals | access-date=30 November 2015}}</ref>

===2004–2007: Early career and ATP debut===
2004 was Gil's first full season at a professional tour.<ref name="ITFprocircuit" /> His first Futures doubles final came in [[Albufeira]] in March, and in April he won his first title – a Futures doubles event in [[Lagos, Portugal|Lagos]].<ref name="ITFprocircuit" /> For the remaining season, Gil was runner-up in another Futures doubles event and won one Satellite doubles title.<ref name="ITFprocircuit" /> He was also runner-up in a Satellite singles event.<ref name="ITFprocircuit" /> At the [[2004 Estoril Open]], Gil made his ATP Tour debut playing the doubles event alongside [[Bernardo Mota]] and reached the quarterfinals.<ref name="careersingles">{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/players/frederico-gil/g717/player-activity?year=all&matchType=singles | title=Frederico Gil Career Singles Activity | publisher=Association of Tennis Professionals | access-date=2 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="careerdoubles">{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/players/frederico-gil/g717/player-activity?year=all&matchType=doubles | title=Frederico Gil Career Doubles Activity | publisher=Association of Tennis Professionals | access-date=2 December 2015}}</ref> Gil was called for the [[Portugal Davis Cup team]] for the first time this season.<ref name="daviscup">{{cite web | url=http://www.daviscup.com/en/players/player/profile.aspx?playerid=800223709 | title=Frederico Gil Davis Cup profile | publisher=Davis Cup | access-date=14 April 2017}}</ref> Playing in the [[2004 Davis Cup Europe/Africa Zone#Group II|Europe/Africa Zone Group II]], he won two matches in his debut against [[Tunisia Davis Cup team|Tunisia]] in April, but lost all his three matches against [[Serbia Davis Cup team|Serbia and Montenegro]] later in July.<ref name="daviscup" />

Gil began 2005 season with two straight singles titles and one doubles runner-up at Futures tournaments in [[Faro, Portugal|Faro]] and Lagos between February and March.<ref name="ITFprocircuit" /> Later in October, he won a third title in Futures singles in [[Caracas]].<ref name="ITFprocircuit" /> He also won two singles titles and one doubles title out of two finals at Futures level. In July, Gil entered the main draw of a [[ATP Challenger Tour|Challenger]] tournament for the first time in [[Tolyatti]].<ref name="2005singles">{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/players/frederico-gil/g717/player-activity?year=2005&matchType=singles | title=Frederico Gil 2005 Singles Activity | publisher=Association of Tennis Professionals | access-date=2 December 2015}}</ref> He played regularly at that level the rest of the season and reached his first doubles final in [[Copa Petrobras Bogotá|Bogotá]].<ref name="2005singles" /><ref name="2005doubles">{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/players/frederico-gil/g717/player-activity?year=2005&matchType=doubles | title=Frederico Gil 2005 Doubles Activity | publisher=Association of Tennis Professionals | access-date=2 December 2015}}</ref> At ATP Tour level, Gil entered again in the [[2005 Estoril Open|Estoril Open]] doubles event and lost in the first round with [[Leonardo Tavares]].<ref name="2005doubles" /> At Davis Cup, Gil consolidated his place in the National team with 3 more participations.<ref name="daviscup" /> He won six matches out seven against [[Estonia Davis Cup team|Estonia]], [[Algeria Davis Cup team|Algeria]] and [[Slovenia Davis Cup team|Slovenia]] teams, with his only loss coming against Algeria's [[Lamine Ouahab]].<ref name="daviscup" /> His performance contributed for Portugal's promotion to the [[2006 Davis Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group I|Europe/Africa Zone Group I]].<ref name="Portugaldaviscup">{{cite web | url=http://www.daviscup.com/en/teams/team/profile.aspx?id=POR | title=Portugal Davis Cup team profile | publisher=Davis Cup | access-date=2 December 2015}}</ref>

[[File:F gil seleccao.jpg|thumb|right|Fred Gil playing for Portugal Davis Cup team in 2006.|alt=Fred Gil prepares himself to return a serve.]]

In 2006, Gil made his ATP Tour debut in a singles event at the [[2006 Estoril Open]].<ref name="careersingles" /> After defeating [[David Luque-Velasco]] in the first round, Gil upset world no. 33 [[Dmitry Tursunov]] in the second round. He fell in the quarterfinals to then world no. 4 and eventual champion [[David Nalbandian]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dn.pt/arquivo/2006/interior/frederico-gil-sobe-45-lugares-no-ranking-640148.html | title=Frederico Gil sobe 45 lugares no 'ranking' [Frederico Gil rises 45 places in the ranking] | website=[[Diário de Notícias]] | access-date=2 December 2015 | date=9 May 2006}}</ref> In the doubles event, Gil teamed up with [[Gonçalo Nicau]] and lost in the first round.<ref name="2006doubles">{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/players/frederico-gil/g717/player-activity?year=2006&matchType=doubles | title=Frederico Gil 2006 Doubles Activity | publisher=Association of Tennis Professionals | access-date=2 December 2015}}</ref> In June, he won his first Challenger singles titles in [[Memorial Argo Manfredini|Sassuolo]] and was runner-up in the doubles event at the [[Aspria Tennis Cup|Milan]] Challenger.<ref name="2006singles">{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/players/frederico-gil/g717/player-activity?year=2006&matchType=singles | title=Frederico Gil 2006 Singles Activity | publisher=Association of Tennis Professionals | access-date=2 December 2015}}</ref> Earlier in May, Gil played his last Futures tournaments until 2013.<ref name="ITFprocircuit" /> At this level, he added two more singles titles and one doubles title in 2006.<ref name="ITFprocircuit" /> At the Davis Cup, Gil entered two rounds.<ref name="daviscup" /> After losing his two matches against [[Luxembourg Davis Cup team|Luxembourg]] in the first round, he helped Portugal remain in the Europe/Africa Zone Group I for the [[2007 Davis Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group I|following season]] with three wins over [[Morocco Davis Cup team|Morocco]].<ref name="daviscup" />

Gil made his first attempt to enter the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament at the [[2007 French Open]], but lost in the final match of the [[2007 French Open – Men's singles qualifying|qualifying rounds]].<ref name="2007singles">{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/players/frederico-gil/g717/player-activity?year=2007&matchType=singles | title=Frederico Gil 2007 Singles Activity | publisher=Association of Tennis Professionals | access-date=2 December 2015}}</ref> He entered his first ATP tournament outside of Portugal at the [[2007 Grand Prix Hassan II|Grand Prix Hassan II]], where he lost in the first round to [[Julien Benneteau]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/tennis/2007-04-24-2118761451_x.htm | title=Benneteau outlasts Gil in Casablanca | website=[[USA Today]] | access-date=2 December 2015 | date=24 April 2007}}</ref> At the [[2007 Estoril Open|Estoril Open]], Gil was defeated by [[Richard Gasquet]] in the second round.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.publico.pt/noticia/frederico-gil-perde-com-richard-gasquet-e-falha-repeticao-do-feito-de-2006-1292865 | title=Frederico Gil perde com Richard Gasquet e falha repetição do feito de 2006 [Frederico Gil loses to Richard Gasquet and misses 2006 feat repeat] | website=[[Público (Portugal)|Público]] | access-date=2 December 2015 | date=3 May 2007}}</ref> The Challenger Tour remained Gil's main focus in 2007. He won one singles titles in [[Copa Sevilla|Seville]] in September, and reached four doubles finals ([[Bancolombia Open|Bogotá]], [[Baden Open|Karlsruhe]], [[Franken Challenge|Fürth]] and [[Antonio Savoldi–Marco Cò – Trofeo Dimmidisì|Manerbio]]).<ref name="2007singles" /><ref name="2007doubles">{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/players/frederico-gil/g717/player-activity?year=2007&matchType=doubles | title=Frederico Gil 2007 Doubles Activity | publisher=Association of Tennis Professionals | access-date=2 December 2015}}</ref> The 2007 Davis Cup edition was not successful for Gil, as he lost all his five matches against [[Georgia Davis Cup team|Georgia]] and [[Netherlands Davis Cup team|Netherlands]].<ref name="daviscup" /> Consequently, Portugal was relegated to the [[2008 Davis Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group II|Europe/Africa Zone Group II]] in 2008.<ref name="Portugaldaviscup" />

===2008: First Grand Slam appearances===
In the first months of the 2008 season, Gil competed exclusively in the Challenger Tour.<ref name="2008singles">{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/players/frederico-gil/g717/player-activity?year=2008&matchType=singles | title=Frederico Gil 2008 Singles Activity | publisher=Association of Tennis Professionals | access-date=3 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="2008doubles">{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/players/frederico-gil/g717/player-activity?year=2008&matchType=doubles | title=Frederico Gil 2008 Doubles Activity | publisher=Association of Tennis Professionals | access-date=2 December 2015}}</ref> He reached the doubles final in [[Tennis Napoli Cup|Napoli]] in March.<ref name="2008doubles" /> The next month, Gil was called up for the Portugal Davis Cup team to face [[Tunisia Davis Cup team|Tunisia]] and won his singles match against [[Malek Jaziri]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.maisfutebol.iol.pt/tenis-portugal-venceu-os-dois-primeiros-jogos-com-a-tunisia | title=Ténis: Portugal venceu os dois primeiros jogos com a Tunísia [Tennis – Portugal won first two matches against Tunisia] | language=pt | publisher=Mais Futebol | access-date=3 December 2015 | date=11 April 2008}}</ref> Then, he entered his first ATP Tour of the season at the [[2008 Estoril Open|Estoril Open]] where he reached the quarterfinals for the second time, after wins over [[Nicolas Mahut]] and [[João Sousa]].<ref name="2008singles" /> He lost at that stage in straight sets to then world no. 1 [[Roger Federer]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.publico.pt/noticia/estoril-open-roger-federer-nao-da-hipoteses-a-frederico-gil-1326287 | title=Estoril Open: Roger Federer não dá hipóteses a Frederico Gil [Estoril Open – Roger Federer does not give a chance to Frederico Gil] | language=pt | website=[[Público (Portugal)|Público]] | access-date=3 December 2015 | date=18 April 2008}}</ref>

After a return to the Challenger Tour, during which he won his first Challenger doubles title in [[Morocco Tennis Tour – Marrakech|Marrakech]], Gil made his Grand Slam main draw debut at the [[2008 French Open|French Open]].<ref name="2008singles" /><ref name="2008doubles" /> Following a successful participation in the qualifying rounds, he lost in the first round to [[Jérémy Chardy]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://expresso.sapo.pt/desporto/frederico-gil-eliminado-de-roland-garros=f329745 | title=Frederico Gil eliminado de Roland Garros [Frederico Gil eliminated from Roland Garros] | language=pt | website=[[Expresso (newspaper)|Expresso]] | access-date=3 December 2015 | date=25 April 2008}}</ref> In June, Gil won the Challenger singles title in Sassuolo and entered the [[2008 Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon Championships]].<ref name="2008singles" /> Similarly to the French Open, he made it to the main draw through the qualifying rounds and was defeated by Chardy in the first round. Gil also entered the [[2008 Wimbledon Championships – Men's doubles|doubles event]] and reached the second round, partnering [[Dick Norman]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.record.xl.pt/modalidades/tenis/detalhe/frederico-gil-perde-em-wimbledon.html | title=Frederico Gil perde em Wimbledon [Frederico Gil loses in Wimbledon] | language=pt | website=[[Record (Portuguese newspaper)|Record]] | access-date=3 December 2015 | date=27 June 2008}}</ref>

Between July and August, Gil won another Challenger singles title in [[Amex-Istanbul Challenger|Istanbul]] and a doubles title in [[Sporting Challenger|Turin]].<ref name="2008singles" /><ref name="2008doubles" /> Also, he won all his three matches for Portugal Davis Cup team against [[Cyprus Davis Cup team|Cyprus]].<ref name="daviscup" /> In consequence, Gil became the second Portuguese player after [[Nuno Marques]] to enter the ATP top 100 singles ranking, and equaled Marques' world no. 86 career-high position.<ref name="machadogil" /><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rtp.pt/noticias/outras-modalidades/frederico-gil-iguala-nuno-marques-como-melhor-tenista-portugues-de-sempre_d266350 | title=Frederico Gil iguala Nuno Marques como melhor tenista português de sempre [Frederico Gil equals Nuno Marques as best Portuguese tennis player ever] | language=pt | publisher=[[Rádio e Televisão de Portugal]] | access-date=3 December 2015 | date=18 August 2008}}</ref> Gil then entered directly in the main draw of the [[2008 US Open (tennis)|US Open]], where he lost again to Chardy in the first round.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Desporto/Interior.aspx?content_id=1004761 | title=Ténis: US Open – Rui Machado faz história ao qualificar-se para a segunda ronda [Tennis US Open – Rui Machado makes history by qualifying to the second round] | language=pt | website=[[Jornal de Notícias]] | access-date=3 December 2015 | date=27 August 2008}}</ref> Gil played Challenger tournaments the remaining season, without reaching any finals.<ref name="2008singles" /><ref name="2008doubles" /> Despite the several milestones achieved during 2008, Gil finished the year ranked outside the top 100, at world no. 110.<ref name="rankinghistory" />

===2009: ATP World Tour breakthrough===
After skipping the [[2009 Australian Open|Australian Open]], Gil began his 2009 season with back-to-back semifinals appearances in ATP World Tour tournaments.<ref name="2009singles">{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/players/frederico-gil/g717/player-activity?year=2009&matchType=singles | title=Frederico Gil 2009 Singles Activity | publisher=Association of Tennis Professionals | access-date=4 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="2009doubles">{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/players/frederico-gil/g717/player-activity?year=2009&matchType=doubles | title=Frederico Gil 2009 Doubles Activity | publisher=Association of Tennis Professionals | access-date=4 December 2015}}</ref> At the [[2009 SA Tennis Open|SA Tennis Open]], he defeated [[Guillermo García López]] to become the second Portuguese to reach the semifinals at this level, after his coach João Cunha e Silva in [[1992 Tel Aviv Open|1992]]. Gil was defeated then by [[Jo-Wilfried Tsonga]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rtp.pt/noticias/outras-modalidades/tenis-frederico-gil-eliminado-nas-meias-finais-do-open-da-africa-do-sul_d266988 | title=Ténis – Frederico Gil eliminado nas meias-finais do Open da África do Sul [Tennis – Frederico Gil eliminated in the semifinals of the South Africa Open] | language=pt | publisher=[[Rádio e Televisão de Portugal]] | access-date=4 December 2015 | date=7 February 2009}}</ref> At the [[2009 Brasil Open|Brasil Open]], and after beating world no. 18 and reigning champion [[Nicolás Almagro]], Gil lost in the semifinals to [[Thomaz Bellucci]].<ref name="2009singles" /><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.publico.pt/desporto/jornal/frederico-gil-volta-a-fazer-historia-para-portugal-295532 | title=Frederico Gil volta a fazer história para Portugal [Frederico Gil makes history again for Portugal] | language=pt | newspaper=[[Público (Portugal)|Público]] | access-date=4 December 2015 | date=14 February 2009}}</ref> In result, he broke his shared record with Nuno Marques and became the sole holder of the highest ranking ever for a Portuguese player, at no. 82.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.record.xl.pt/modalidades/tenis/detalhe/ranking-atp-frederico-gil-ascende-a-82-posicao.html | title=Ranking ATP: Frederico Gil ascende à 82ª posição [ATP ranking: Frederico Gil rises to 82nd position] | language=pt | website=[[Record (Portuguese newspaper)|Record]] | access-date=4 December 2015 | date=23 February 2009}}</ref>

[[File:Gil Estoril Open 2009 1.jpg|thumb|left|Fred Gil at the 2009 Estoril Open.|alt=Fred Gil, with his back turned to the photographer, looks back to receive his towel.]]

In early March, Gil played against Cyprus at the Davis Cup. After winning the first match over [[Photos Kallias]], he lost both his doubles and singles matches and Portugal moved to the relegation round.<ref name="Portugaldaviscup" /><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Interior.aspx?content_id=1162298 | title=Ténis: Taça Davis – Portugal e Chipre terminam primeiro dia empatados [Tennis – Davis Cup Portugal and Cyprus end first day tied] | language=pt | website=[[Jornal de Notícias]] | access-date=4 December 2015 | date=6 March 2009}}</ref> Gil then entered his first career [[ATP World Tour Masters 1000|Masters 1000]] event in [[2009 Sony Ericsson Open|Miami]], as a qualifier.<ref name="careersingles" /><ref name="2009singles" /> Following wins over [[Mischa Zverev]] and [[Ivo Karlović]], Gil was defeated by then world no. 1 [[Rafael Nadal]] in the third round.<ref name="2009miami">{{cite web | url=http://www.jn.pt/PaginaInicial/Desporto/Interior.aspx?content_id=1186302&page=-1 | title=Open de Miami rendeu 13 mil euros [Miami Open secured (Gil) 13 thousand euro] | language=pt | website=[[Jornal de Notícias]] | access-date=4 December 2015 | date=31 March 2009}}</ref> He moved up again in the ATP ranking, and entered April as world no. 70.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rtp.pt/noticias/outras-modalidades/frederico-gil-sempre-a-subir_d267252 | title=Frederico Gil sempre a subir [Frederico Gil ever rising] | language=pt | publisher=[[Rádio e Televisão de Portugal]] | access-date=4 December 2015 | date=6 April 2009}}</ref> Gil continued his form with a quarterfinals presence at the [[2009 Grand Prix Hassan II|Grand Prix Hassan II]], and fell in the second round at the [[2009 Barcelona Open Banco Sabadell|Barcelona Open]] to Nadal again.<ref name="2009singles" /><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/rafaelnadal/5202248/Rafael-Nadal-safely-into-round-three-in-Barcelona.html | title=Rafael Nadal safely into round three in Barcelona | website=[[The Daily Telegraph]]| access-date=4 December 2015 | date=22 April 2009}}</ref> A brief return to the Challenger Tour earned Gil a singles runner-up participation in [[Tunis Open|Tunis]].<ref name="2009singles" />

In May, Gil was the first Portuguese to enter the main draw of the [[2009 Estoril Open|Estoril Open]] thanks to his world ranking, but was eliminated in the first round by [[James Blake (tennis)|James Blake]].<ref name="2009singles" /><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.publico.pt/noticia/ferrer-e-gil-sao-as-novidades-no-quadro-principal-do-estoril-open-1370906 | title=Ferrer e Gil são as novidades no quadro principal do Estoril Open [Ferrer and Gil are the new additions to Estoril Open main draw] | language=pt | website=[[Público (Portugal)|Público]] | access-date=4 December 2015 | date=25 March 2009}}</ref> After an early exit at the [[2009 Interwetten Austrian Open Kitzbühel|Kitzbühel Open]], Gil entered the [[2009 French Open|French Open]], where he lost in the first round to [[David Ferrer]].<ref name="2009singles" /><ref>{{cite web | url=https://expresso.sapo.pt/desporto/frederico-gil-eliminado-na-primeira-ronda-de-roland-garros=f516572 | title=Frederico Gil eliminado na primeira ronda de Roland Garros [Gil eliminated in the first round at Roland Garros] | language=pt | website=[[Expresso (newspaper)|Expresso]] | access-date=4 December 2015 | date=24 May 2009}}</ref> Despite the results, he ended the month ranked in his highest position during 2009, at no. 66.<ref name="rankinghistory" /> At the [[2009 Aegon Championships|Queen's Club Championships]], another early round came at the hands of former world no. 1 [[Lleyton Hewitt]],<ref name="2009singles" /> and Gil's participation at the Wimbledon Championships was equally brief – he lost in the first round at both [[2009 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles|singles]] and [[2009 Wimbledon Championships – Men's doubles|doubles]] events.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dn.pt/desporto/outras-modalidades/interior/gil-tambem-perde-em-pares-1271533.html | title=Gil também perde em pares [Gil also loses in doubles] | language=pt | website=[[Diário de Notícias]] | access-date=4 December 2015 | date=24 June 2009}}</ref>

In July, Gil again was called for Portugal Davis Cup team. Facing Algeria, he won his singles and doubles matches, thus helping Portugal to secure a place in the [[2010 Davis Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group II|Europe/Africa Zone Group II]] the following year.<ref name="daviscup" /><ref name="Portugaldaviscup" /> Though he did not move past the early rounds at the [[2009 Swedish Open|Swedish Open]], the [[2009 ATP Studena Croatia Open Umag|Croatia Open]], the [[2009 Legg Mason Tennis Classic|Washington Open]] and the [[2009 Pilot Pen Tennis|Connecticut Open]], Gil still manage in between the ATP tournaments to return to the Challenger Tour and win a doubles final in [[Amex-Istanbul Challenger|Istanbul]].<ref name="2009singles" /><ref name="2009doubles" /> At the [[2009 US Open (tennis)|US Open]], Gil lost to [[Somdev Devvarman]] in the first round.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.dn.pt/desporto/outras-modalidades/interior/gil-tambem-perde-em-pares-1271533.html | title=Ténis: US Open – Gil eliminado logo na primeira ronda [Tennis – US Open Gil eliminated right in the first round] | language=pt | website=[[Jornal de Notícias]] | access-date=4 December 2015 | date=31 August 2009}}</ref> After losing in the first round of another ATP tournament, the [[2009 BCR Open Romania|Romanian Open]], Gil decided to move back to the Challenger Tour – he won singles and doubles title in [[Tennislife Cup|Napoli]] in the end of September.<ref name="2009singles" /><ref name="2009doubles" />

Gil finished his season with a second round loss at the [[2009 Bank Austria-TennisTrophy|Vienna Open]] and qualifying round exits at the [[2009 Davidoff Swiss Indoors|Swiss Indoors]] and the [[2009 BNP Paribas Masters|Paris Masters]].<ref name="2009singles" /> Despite his struggles to move past early rounds at ATP Tour level events in the second half of the season, Gil achieved a career high year-end ranking of 69 – the best season-ending ranking for a Portuguese player, which surpassed Nuno Marques' record world no. 92 in 1995 and lasted until Rui Machado broke it in 2011.<ref name="rankinghistory" /><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/players/nuno-marques/m197/rankings-history | title=Nuno Marques ATP rankings History | publisher=Association of Tennis Professionals | access-date=5 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="ruimachadorankinghistory">{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/players/rui-machado/ma49/rankings-history | title=Rui Machado ATP rankings History | publisher=Association of Tennis Professionals | access-date=5 December 2015}}</ref>

===2010: Estoril Open singles runner-up===
Gil began 2010 season with first round exits at the [[2010 Qatar Open|Qatar Open]] and the [[2010 Medibank International Sydney|Sydney International]], both times against [[Potito Starace]].<ref name="2010singles">{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/players/frederico-gil/g717/player-activity?year=2010&matchType=singles | title=Frederico Gil 2010 Singles Activity | publisher=Association of Tennis Professionals | access-date=5 December 2015}}</ref> Making his main draw debut at the [[2010 Australian Open|Australian Open]], Gil retired during a first round match against [[David Ferrer]], when was trailing 6–0, 6–0, 2–0.<ref name="careersingles" /><ref name="2010singles" /> In the doubles event, he partnered with [[Kristof Vliegen]] and went out in the first round as well.<ref name="2010doubles">{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/players/frederico-gil/g717/player-activity?year=2010&matchType=doubles | title=Frederico Gil 2010 Doubles Activity | publisher=Association of Tennis Professionals | access-date=5 December 2015}}</ref> Gil's early round struggles continued at the [[2010 Brasil Open|Brasil Open]], the [[2010 Copa Telmex|ATP Buenos Aires]], the [[2010 Abierto Mexicano Telcel|Mexican Open]] and the [[2010 BNP Paribas Open|Indian Wells Masters]].<ref name="2010singles" /> Before Indian Wells, Gil played for Portugal Davis Cup team against [[Denmark Davis Cup team|Denmark]] and won his two matches – the second being a doubles match.<ref name="daviscup" /><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rtp.pt/noticias/outras-modalidades/rui-machado-e-frederico-gil-dao-vantagem-a-portugal_d325390# | title=Rui Machado e Frederico Gil dão vantagem a Portugal [Rui Machado and Frederico Gil give edge for Portugal] | language=pt | publisher=[[Rádio e Televisão de Portugal]] | access-date=5 December 2015 | date=6 March 2010}}</ref> By the end of March, Gil was outside the top 100, he started playing qualifying rounds and returned to the Challenger Tour.<ref name="rankinghistory" /><ref name="2010singles" />

In May, Gil entered the [[2010 Estoril Open|Estoril Open]].<ref name="2010singles" /> After defeating in succession four higher ranked players, including Portuguese number 1 Rui Machado and Guillermo García López in the semifinals, he became the first Portuguese player to reach the final of an ATP singles event.<ref name="2010estoril" /><ref name="2010singles" /><ref>{{cite web | url=https://expresso.sapo.pt/desporto/tenistas-portugueses-hoje-no-estoril-open=f580327 | title=Tenistas portugueses hoje no Estoril Open [Portuguese tennis players today at the Estoril Open] | language=pt | website=[[Expresso (newspaper)|Expresso]] | access-date=5 December 2015 | date=4 May 2010}}</ref> In the final, Gil lost to defending champion [[Albert Montañés]], after squandering a 3–0 advantage in the final set.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/tennis/05/09/estoril.montanes.munich.youzhny/ | title=Federer's conqueror Montanes wins in Estoril | publisher=[[CNN]] | access-date=5 December 2015 | date=9 May 2010}}</ref> At the [[2010 French Open|French Open]], he did not make it past qualifying rounds and moved to Challenger.<ref name="2010singles" /> Gil won a singles title in [[Aspria Tennis Cup|Milan]] and a doubles title in [[BSI Challenger Lugano|Lugano]] before losing in the first round at the [[2010 Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon Championships]] to [[Marcel Granollers]].<ref name="2010singles" /><ref name="2010doubles" /><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tsf.pt/desporto/outras-modalidades/interior/frederico-gil-eliminado-do-torneio-de-wimbledon-1600295.html | title=Frederico Gil eliminado do torneio de Wimbledon [Frederico Gil eliminated from Wimbledon Championships] | language=pt | publisher=[[TSF (radio station)|TSF]] | access-date=5 December 2015 | date=22 June 2010}}</ref> He rebounded with a Challenger doubles title in [[Sporting Challenger|Turin]].<ref name="2010doubles" />

Gil played against Cyprus at the Davis Cup in July, winning his two singles and doubles matches.<ref name="daviscup" /><ref>{{cite web | url=https://visao.sapo.pt/lusa/tenis-taca-davis-frederico-gil-amplia-vantagem-de-portugal-sobre-chipre-2-0=f565612 | title=Ténis: Taça Davis – Frederico Gil amplia vantagem de Portugal sobre Chipre (2-0) [Tennis – Davis Cup Frederico Gil extends Portugal advantage over Cyprus] | language=pt | website=[[Visão]] | access-date=5 December 2015 | date=9 July 2010}}</ref> Then, he lost in the early rounds at the [[2010 Allianz Suisse Open Gstaad|Swiss Open]] and the [[2010 Pilot Pen Tennis|Connecticut Open]], and took part in several Challenger tournaments.<ref name="2010singles" /> At the [[2010 US Open (tennis)|US Open]], Gil lost in the first round to [[John Isner]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/02/sports/tennis/02tennis.html?_r=0 | title=Roddick Loses, and Foot Faults Take Center Stage | website=[[The New York Times]] | access-date=5 December 2015 | date=1 September 2010}}</ref> However, he partnered [[Daniel Gimeno Traver]] in the [[2010 US Open – Men's doubles|doubles event]] to reach the third round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time, where they lost to fifth seeds [[Łukasz Kubot]] and [[Oliver Marach]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tsf.pt/desporto/outras-modalidades/interior/frederico-gil-afastado-nos-oitavos-de-final-em-pares-1656526.html | title=Frederico Gil afastado nos oitavos de final em pares [Frederico Gil ousted in doubles last 16 round] | language=pt | publisher=[[TSF (radio station)|TSF]] | access-date=5 December 2015 | date=6 September 2010}}</ref> Gil's three wins over [[Bosnia and Herzegovina Davis Cup team|Bosnia and Herzegovina]] at the Davis Cup in September contributed for Portugal's promotion to [[2011 Davis Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group I|Europe/Africa Zone Group I]] in 2011.<ref name="daviscup" /><ref name="Portugaldaviscup" />

After participating in Challenger tournaments, Gil returned to the ATP Tour in October, losing in the second round at the [[2010 Open Sud de France|Open Sud de France]].<ref name="2010singles" /> He finished 2010 season following a loss in the qualifying rounds of the [[2010 Valencia Open 500|Valencia Open]].<ref name="2010singles" /><ref name="2010doubles" /> In the year's last ranking, Gil was positioned 101 in the world – thus failing to keep his top 100 status from the previous season and behind his fellow countryman Machado.<ref name="rankinghistory" /><ref name="ruimachadorankinghistory" />

===2011: Career-high ranking===
Gil entered the 2011 season with early round losses at the [[2011 Aircel Chennai Open|Chennai Open]] and the [[2011 Medibank International Sydney|Sydney International]].<ref name="2011singles">{{cite web | url=http://www.atpworldtour.com/players/frederico-gil/g717/player-activity?year=2011&matchType=singles | title=Frederico Gil 2011 Singles Activity | publisher=[[Association of Tennis Professionals]] | access-date=27 January 2016}}</ref> Then, he won his first match at a Grand Slam tournament and became the first Portuguese since [[Nuno Marques]] in [[1991 Australian Open|1991]] to do so at the [[2011 Australian Open|Australian Open]], with a 5-set win over [[Pablo Cuevas]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tsf.pt/desporto/outras-modalidades/interior/gil-avanca-pela-primeira-vez-para-a-segunda-ronda-do-open-da-australia-1759130.html | title=Gil avança pela primeira vez para a segunda ronda do Open da Austrália [Gil advances for the first time to the Australian Open's second round] | language=pt | publisher=[[TSF (radio station)|TSF]] | access-date=27 January 2016 | date=17 January 2011}}</ref> Gil lost in the second round to [[Gaël Monfils]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jan/19/australian-open-fernando-verdasco | title=Australian Open 2011: Roger Federer squeezes past Gilles Simon | newspaper=[[The Guardian]]| access-date=27 January 2016 | date=19 January 2011}}</ref>

In February, at the [[2011 Movistar Open|Movistar Open]], he lost in First round to no. 52 [[Tommy Robredo]] by 2–6, 6–3, 6–4. Later, he lost in the first round of [[2011 Copa Claro|Copa Claro]] to no. 55 [[Fabio Fognini]] by 1–6, 6–2, 6–2. A week later, at Abierto Mexicano Telcel he suffer his third consecutive lost in a first round of a tournament to no. 86 [[Filippo Volandri]] by 6–1, 3–6, 6–4.

In March, at the [[2011 Sony Ericsson Open|Miami Open]] Gil defeated no. 146 [[Paul Capdeville]] 6–1, 3–6, 7–6<sup>(6)</sup> in the first round. He then lost to no. 12 [[Nicolás Almagro]] by 6–4, 3–6, 6–2.

In April, competing in [[2011 Grand Prix Hassan II|Casablanca]], Gil reached the Second round where he was defeated 6–3, 6–4 by [[Gilles Simon]], ranked 27th.
At the [[2011 Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters|Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters]], he defeated world number 10 and 8th seed [[Gaël Monfils]], reaching the quarterfinals of an [[ATP World Tour Masters 1000]] event for the first time. Despite the 6–2, 6–1 loss to world number 4 [[Andy Murray]], Gil collected 205 points which allowed him to reach a career-high world ranking number 64. A week later, after achieving the quarter-finals in a challenger in Naples, defeated by [[Ivo Minář]] (122nd), by 6–7<sup>(5)</sup>, 6–3, 3–6, where he reached a new career-high world ranking number 62, a week before is favorite tournament in Estoril, Portugal where he has many points to defend after losing in the final in the previous year.
Gil was initially invited for the [[2011 Estoril Open|Estoril Open]] as a wildcard, in virtue of his low ranking, but he eventually qualified directly, because of pre-tournament drop-outs. He defeated in the first round world no. 159 [[Flavio Cipolla]] by 6–3, 6–2, but lost in the second round to the second-seed and world no. 15 [[Fernando Verdasco]] by 6–1, 7–6<sup>(5)</sup>.

In May, he failed to pass the qualifying rounds of [[2011 Italian Open (tennis)|Internazionali BNL d'Italia]], losing to no. 143 [[Łukasz Kubot]] by 6–3, 7–6<sup>(2)</sup>. At the [[2011 French Open]] he was eliminated in first round, losing to no. 29 [[Marcos Baghdatis]] by 7–6<sup>(4)</sup>, 6–2, 6–2.

In June, he lost in [[2011 Aegon International|Eastbourne]] in the first round to no. 106 [[Illya Marchenko]] by 6–1, 6–3. At [[2011 Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon]], he faced no. 84 [[Dudi Sela]] in the first round and lost 6–4, 6–1, 6–4.

In July, in the first round in [[Swiss Open (tennis)|Gstaad]] he beat the qualifier [[João Souza]] world no. 112 by 4–6, 6–3, 6–4. He lost in the second round to the world no. 20 [[Fernando Verdasco]] by 6–3, 6–2.

In August, in the first round in [[Winston-Salem Open]] he lost to the world no. 102 [[Steve Darcis]] by 3–6, 6–3, 6–4. A week later, at the [[2011 US Open (tennis)|US Open]], he lost in First round to world no. 23 [[Alexandr Dolgopolov]] by 6–4, 6–2, 7–5 in 1h58m.

In September, he reached the semi-final in the Genova Challenger. In the first round in [[2011 BRD Năstase Țiriac Trophy|Bucharest]] he beat world no. 106 [[Jérémy Chardy]] by 2–6, 6–4, 6–3 in 2h14m. He lost in the second round to the world no. 183 [[Alessandro Giannessi]] by 7–6<sup>(2)</sup>, 0–6, 6–3 in 2h25m.

In October, he reached the quarter-finals in the Palermo Challenger.

In November, he reached the quarter-finals in the [[Copa Topper|Buenos Aires]] Challenger in his last tournament of the season losing to his friend [[Gastão Elias]] by 1–6, 7–5, 7–5 in 2h57m after his opponent saved 2 match points when Gil was leading by 6–1, 5–4. Gil finished the year placed in the 102nd position in the world once again behind Rui Machado.

===2012: ATP doubles title===
Gil began the season losing in the [[2012 Aircel Chennai Open|Aircel Chennai Open]] in the first round to [[Go Soeda]] (120th) by 6–2, 6–7<sup>(4)</sup>, 7–5 in 2h38m. A week later, at [[2012 Apia International Sydney|Apia International Sydney]], he won the first round in the qualifying where he defeated world number 1099 [[Sadik Kadir]] by 6–4, 6–4 in 1h15m, in the second round he lost to no. 105 [[Stéphane Robert]] by 6–4, 6–1 in 1h5m, losing the 16 points he had achieved last year by reaching the second round.
At the [[2012 Australian Open|Australian Open]], he won for the second time in the first round of a [[Grand Slam (tennis)|Grand Slam]] by defeating [[Ivan Dodig]] (36th) 2–6, 6–1, 6–1, 4–1, ret in 2h1m. Gil then made history by becoming the first Portuguese tennis player to reach the 3rd round of a Grand Slam tournament after downing Spain's [[Marcel Granollers]] (28th) in 4 sets by 6–3, 4–6, 6–4, 6–3, in 2h48m. In the third round, Gil lost to the world no. 6 [[Jo-Wilfried Tsonga]] by 6–2, 6–2, 6–2 in 1h31m. Tsonga saved all six break points faced on serve and capitalised on six of his seven opportunities. After the Open, Gil reentered in top-100.

He then won the first round of [[2012 VTR Open – Singles|VTR Open]] in Viña del Mar against world no. 106 [[Paolo Lorenzi]]. After splitting sets, Gil took command of the match in the third set, breaking the Italian four times to win the hard-fought encounter 6–3, 5–7, 6–1 in two hours and 26 minutes. Gil finished the match eight for 22 on his break point opportunities. In the second round, Gil ousted fourth seed and world no. 44 [[Pablo Andújar]] by 6–2, 6–1. Gil dominated with his return game, breaking the Spaniard six times, winning 66 per cent of his return points to clinch the upset in 57 minutes. In the quarter-finals, Gil lost to world no. 82 [[Jérémy Chardy]] by 6–2, 7–6<sup>(5)</sup> in 1h36m. At the [[2012 Brasil Open|Brasil Open]], in [[São Paulo]], he lost to the Spanish wild card and world no. 184 [[Javier Martí]], who is the youngest player in the main draw and converted four of 11 break point opportunities, by 6–2, 6–4 in 1h26m. A week later, he lost in the first round of [[2012 Copa Claro|Copa Claro]] to no. 150 [[Federico Delbonis]] by 6–2, 6–2 in only 53m.

In March, at [[2012 BNP Paribas Open – Men's singles|Indian Wells]], Gil he won the first round in the qualifying where he defeated world number 193 [[Alex Kuznetsov]] by 6–1, 6–1 in only 56m, in the second round he lost to no. 165 [[Ruben Bemelmans]] by 6–4, 3–6, 6–4 in 2h5m, but he entered in the main draw as a lucky looser. He then defeated no. 427 [[Rhyne Williams]] by 6–3, 6–7<sup>(6)</sup>, 6–4 in the first round in 2h26m. In the second round, he lost to world no. 11 [[John Isner]] by 7–5, 6–3 in 1h18m. At the [[2012 Sony Ericsson Open|Miami Open]] Gil defeated no. 45 [[Thomaz Bellucci]] 6–3, 6–4 in the first round in 1h32m. In the second round, he lost to world no. 35 and 32nd seed [[Philipp Kohlschreiber]] who won 78 per cent of his service points by 6–2, 7–5 in 1h12m.

In April, at the [[2012 Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters|Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters]], Gil won the first round in the qualifying where he defeated world number 167 [[Arnau Brugués Davi]] by 1–6, 7–6<sup>(5)</sup>, 7–5 in 2h16m, in the second round he won no. 67 [[Steve Darcis]] by 6–3, 3–6, 7–6<sup>(5)</sup> in 2h6m. He then defeated no. 35 [[Mikhail Youzhny]] by 6–1, 6–3 in the first round in 1h4m. In the second round, he lost to world no. 15 [[Gilles Simon]] by 6–3, 6–0 in 1h3m. A week later, at [[2012 Barcelona Open Banco Sabadell|Barcelona Open]] Gil knocked out in the first round local resident and 12th seed and world no. 26 [[Marcel Granollers]] by 6–2, 6–2 in 1h13m. In the second round, he won over countryman world no. 140 [[João Sousa]] by 4–6, 6–4, 6–3 in 2h12m. In the third round, Gil lost to world no. 8 and 5th seed [[Janko Tipsarević]] by 6–2, 6–2 in only 1h9m.

In May, at the [[2012 Estoril Open|Estoril Open]] Gil lost in the first round to the German no. 87 [[Björn Phau]], the oldest player in the draw at 32, by 6–4, 6–2 in 1h21m on Central Court. Phau converted five of seven break point opportunities in the pair's first tour-level meeting. A week later in the [[2012 Mutua Madrid Open – Men's singles|Madrid Open]], Gil won the first round in the qualifying where he defeated world number 72 [[Matthew Ebden]] by 6–2, 7–6<sup>(3)</sup> in 1h25m, in the second round he lost to no. 107 [[Daniel Gimeno Traver]] by 7–5, 6–4 in 1h33m. At the [[2012 French Open]] he couldn't past the first round of the qualifying, he lost to no. 151 [[Jerzy Janowicz]] by 7–5, 4–6, 6–2.

In June, at the [[2012 Aegon Championships|Queen's Club]] Gil lost in the first round to the 11th-seeded Cypriot no. 42 [[Marcos Baghdatis]], by 7–6<sup>(2)</sup>, 4–6, 6–2, in 2h30m on Central Court. A week later, at [[2012 Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon]], he lost in First round of the qualifying to world no. 156 [[Jonathan Dasnières de Veigy]] by 7–5, 4–6, 6–3.

In July, Gil played in [[2012 Swedish Open|Båstad]] and he won in the first round to world no. 163 [[Marsel İlhan]] by 6–4, 1–6, 6–3 in 1h48m. In the second round, he lost to world no. 69 [[Grigor Dimitrov]] by 6–3, 6–4, in 1h21m. A week later, at [[2012 International German Open|Hamburg]], he lost in First round of the qualifying to world no. 163 [[Marsel Iİhan]] by 6–3, 6–2 in 1h15m.

In August, at the [[2012 US Open (tennis)|US Open]], he lost in first round of the qualifying to world no. 251 [[Pierre-Hugues Herbert]] by 7–5, 6–4 in 1h22m.

===2013–2015: Battling disease and return to ITF Tour===
Gil began the season in Viña del Mar, where he failed to qualify, losing in the third round to no. 200 [[Gianluca Naso]]. A week later, at the [[2013 Brasil Open|Brazil Open]], in [[São Paulo]], he lost in the first round of qualifying to [[Javier Martí]]. A week later, at [[2013 Copa Claro|Copa Claro]], he lost in the first round of qualifying.

In April, in Davis Cup competition, Gil won his rubber against [[Kasparas Zemaitelis]] from Lithuania, 6–1, 6–3. In his return to the circuit, he failed to qualify for [[2013 BRD Năstase Țiriac Trophy|Bucharest]], losing in the second round to world no. 132 [[Flavio Cipolla]]. A week later, he lost in the second round of qualifying for his favorite tournament, the [[2013 Estoril Open|Estoril Open]].

In May, he won in doubles a future in Coimbra with Gonçalo Falcão, in what turned out to be his last match before a temporary retirement from professional tennis.

==Playing style==
[[File:F gil.jpg|thumb|right|Fred Gil during a press conference.|alt=refer to caption]]

Gil has been described as being an obstinate athlete.<ref name="expresso" /> According to Cunha e Silva, he is not naturally talented nor has a shot on which he could rely on.<ref name="expresso" /> However, he has no major weaknesses, does not give up easily and can maintain his concentration on a high level for a long period of time.<ref name="expresso" /> Besides his combative spirit, Gil is known for having a good in-game tactical read.<ref name="machadogil" /> Gil considers [[hardcourt]] his favorite surface.<ref name="atpbio" />

Gil was involved in some on-court incidents with fellow players due to his playing style. During the [[2006 Estoril Open]], [[Dmitry Tursunov]] made death threats to Gil for taking too much time in-between points. [[Richard Gasquet]] accused him of screaming too loud in 2007, and [[Nicolás Almagro]] attempted to hit Gil with a ball after similar complaints during a [[2009 Brasil Open]] match.<ref name="expresso" />

==Equipment and endorsements==
Gil signed a sponsorship deal with [[Sportswear (activewear)|sportswear]] and [[sports equipment|equipments]] producer [[ASICS|Asics]] in 2009, which combined monetary and material support. In turn, he became Portuguese ambassador for their entire sports catalogue. Lasting two years, this deal helped Gil gain financial independence from his parents.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ténis – Frederico Gil tem novo patrocinador [Tennis – Frederico Gil has a new sponsor]|url=http://www.rtp.pt/noticias/outras-modalidades/tenis-frederico-gil-tem-novo-patrocinador_d267543|website=[[Rádio e Televisão de Portugal]]|access-date=29 November 2015|language=pt|date=12 May 2009}}</ref> Previous to this deal, he was connected with [[Lacoste]].<ref name="2009miami" />

Gil's main shirt sponsor during his career has been FlexiPiso, a Portuguese sports venues constructor.<ref name="2009miami" /> He is currently sponsored by [[Dietary supplement|sports supplements]] company Gold Nutrition,<ref>{{cite web|title=Frederico Gil Ténis|url=http://goldnutrition.pt/atletas/frederico-gil/|website=Gold Nutrition|access-date=29 November 2015|language=pt}}</ref> and has used [[Prince Sports]] racquets throughout his career.<ref name="2009miami" />

==Career statistics==
{{Main|Fred Gil career statistics}}

=== Performance timelines ===
{{Performance key}}

''Current through [[2017 Australian Open]].''

====Singles====
{|class=wikitable style=text-align:center;font-size:97%
!width=145 style="text-align:left;"|Tournament!!width=37|[[2007 ATP Tour|2007]]!!width=37|[[2008 ATP Tour|2008]]!!width=37|[[2009 ATP World Tour|2009]]!!width=37|[[2010 ATP World Tour|2010]]!!width=37|[[2011 ATP World Tour|2011]]!!width=37|[[2012 ATP World Tour|2012]]!!width=37|[[2013 ATP World Tour|2013]]!!width=37|[[2014 ATP World Tour|2014]]!!width=37|[[2015 ATP World Tour|2015]]!!width=37|[[2016 ATP World Tour|2016]]!!width=37|[[2017 ATP World Tour|2017]]!!width=37|{{Tooltip| SR | Strike rate}}!!width=50|{{Tooltip| W–L | Win–loss}}!!width=50|Win % 
|-
|align=left|[[Australian Open]]
|A
|A
|A
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2010 Australian Open – Men's singles#Section 1|1R]]
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2011 Australian Open – Men's singles#Section 7|2R]]
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2012 Australian Open – Men's singles#Section 4|3R]]
|A
|A
|A
|A
|A
|0 / 3
|3–3
|{{Round|{{#expr:3/6*100}}|0}}%
|-
|align=left|[[French Open]]
|bgcolor=f0f8ff|[[2007 French Open – Men's singles|Q3]]
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2008 French Open – Men's singles#Section 7|1R]]
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2009 French Open – Men's singles#Section 1|1R]]
|[[2010 French Open – Men's singles qualifying#Second Qualifier|Q2]]
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2011 French Open – Men's singles#Section 2|1R]]
|[[2012 French Open – Men's singles qualifying#Seventh Qualifier|Q1]]
|A
|A
|A
|A
|
|0 / 3
|0–3
|{{Round|{{#expr:0/3*100}}|0}}%
|-
|align=left|[[Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon]]
|A
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2008 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles#Section 6|1R]]
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2009 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles#Section 2|1R]]
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2010 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles#Section 7|1R]]
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2011 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles#Section 1|1R]]
|[[2012 Wimbledon Championships – Men's singles qualifying#Third Qualifier|Q1]]
|A
|A
|A
|A
|
|0 / 4
|0–4
|{{Round|{{#expr:0/4*100}}|0}}%
|-
|align=left|[[US Open (tennis)|US Open]]
|A
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2008 US Open – Men's singles#Section 8|1R]]
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2009 US Open – Men's singles#Section 3|1R]]
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2010 US Open – Men's singles#Section 4|1R]]
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2011 US Open – Men's singles#Section 1|1R]]
|[[2012 US Open – Men's singles qualifying#Tenth qualifier|Q1]]
|A
|A
|A
|A
|
|0 / 4
|0–4
|{{Round|{{#expr:0/4*100}}|0}}%
|-
!style=text-align:left|Win–loss
!0–0
!0–3
!0–3
!0–3
!1–4
!2–1
!0–0
!0–0
!0–0
!0–0
!0–0
!0 / 14
!3–14
!{{Round|{{#expr:3/17*100}}|0}}%
|}

====Doubles====
{|class=wikitable style=text-align:center;font-size:97%
|-
!width=145|Tournament!!width=37|[[2008 ATP Tour|2008]]!!width=37|[[2009 ATP World Tour|2009]]!!width=37|[[2010 ATP World Tour|2010]]!!width=37|[[2011 ATP World Tour|2011]]!!width=37|[[2012 ATP World Tour|2012]]!!width=37|[[2013 ATP World Tour|2013]]!!width=37|[[2014 ATP World Tour|2014]]!!width=37|[[2015 ATP World Tour|2015]]!!width=37|[[2016 ATP World Tour|2016]]!!width=37|[[2017 ATP World Tour|2017]]!!width=37|{{Tooltip| SR | Strike rate}} !!width=50|{{Tooltip| W–L | Win–loss}}!!width=50|Win %
|-
|align=left|[[Australian Open]]
|A
|A
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2010 Australian Open – Men's doubles#Section 4|1R]]
|A
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2012 Australian Open – Men's doubles#Section 3|1R]]
|A
|A
|A
|A
|A
|0 / 2
|0–2
|{{Round|{{#expr:0/2*100}}|0}}%
|-
|align=left|[[French Open]]
|A
|A
|A
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2011 French Open – Men's doubles#Section 1|1R]]
|A
|A
|A
|A
|A
|
|0 / 1
|0–1
|{{Round|{{#expr:0/1*100}}|0}}%
|-
|align=left|[[Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon]]
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2008 Wimbledon Championships – Men's doubles#Section 1|2R]]
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2009 Wimbledon Championships – Men's doubles#Section 4|1R]]
|A
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2011 Wimbledon Championships – Men's doubles#Section 2|1R]]
|A
|A
|A
|A
|A
|
|0 / 3
|1–3
|{{Round|{{#expr:1/4*100}}|0}}%
|-
|align=left|[[US Open (tennis)|US Open]]
|A
|A
|bgcolor=afeeee|[[2010 US Open – Men's doubles#Section 3|3R]]
|A
|A
|A
|A
|A
|A
|
|0 / 1
|1–1
|{{Round|{{#expr:1/2*100}}|0}}%
|-
!style=text-align:left|Win–loss
!1–1
!0–1
!1–2
!0–2
!0–1
!0–0
!0–0
!0–0
!0–0
!0–0
!0 / 7
!2–7
!{{Round|{{#expr:2/9*100}}|0}}%
|}

==Awards==
*2015 – [[List of Portugal Davis Cup team representatives#ITF Commitment Award|ITF Commitment Award]]<ref name="itfcommitmentaward">{{cite web|title=Frederico Gil distinguido pela ITF por 20 participações na Taça Davis [Frederico Gil honored by ITF for 20 Davis Cup participations]|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/modalidades/tenis/detalhe/frederico-gil-distinguido-pela-itf-por-20-participacoes-na-taca-davis--934336.html|website=[[Record (Portuguese newspaper)|Record]]|access-date=28 November 2015|language=pt|date=3 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304074548/http://www.record.xl.pt/modalidades/tenis/detalhe/frederico-gil-distinguido-pela-itf-por-20-participacoes-na-taca-davis--934336.html|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Tennis}}
*[[Portugal Davis Cup team]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Fred Gil}}
*{{ATP|id=G717}}
*{{ITF profile}}
*{{Davis Cup player|id=800223709}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gil, Fred}}
[[Category:1985 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Portuguese male tennis players]]
[[Category:Tennis players from Lisbon]]
[[Category:21st-century Portuguese sportsmen]]