PARIS—The Philippe-Chatrier Court bore witness to the end of an era Thursday as Richard Gasquet, France’s beloved tennis maestro, played his final professional match against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
In a straight-sets defeat (6-3, 6-0, 6-4), the 38-year-old veteran closed a 23-year career marked by elegance, resilience, and one of the sport’s most exquisite one-handed backhands 28.
🌟 The Final Act
Gasquet, competing in his record 22nd Roland Garros, earned a standing ovation as he exited the clay. Sinner, who had beaten him here last year, proved too powerful, but the match was punctuated by vintage Gasquet flourishes—including a gutsy fightback in the first set where he carved out three break points with his signature backhand, igniting roars from the Parisian crowd 24.
“We are different generations, but it’s your moment,” Sinner told Gasquet during the emotional post-match tribute. “Congrats to your family, your team. Everyone will recognise you, even after retirement.” 2.
🏆 By the Numbers: A Legacy Etched in History
- 610 Wins: Most by any Frenchman in the Open Era 6.
- 16 ATP Titles: Dominance on grass and hardcourts, including a historic 2005 victory over Roger Federer in Monte Carlo 211.
- 3 Grand Slam Semifinals (Wimbledon 2007, US Open 2013, 2015) 8.
- Career-High Ranking: World No. 7 (2015) 6.
😢 The Farewell of Richard Gasquet
Gasquet’s family and team donned “Thank You Richie” T-shirts as Roland Garros honored him with a montage of career highlights—a pre-tournament promise fulfilled for the local icon 412. The ceremony underscored his role in bridging tennis eras, from battling Federer and Nadal to mentoring younger French talents like Arthur Fils 10.
⚡ The Bigger Picture
Gasquet’s retirement signals the twilight of a generation overshadowed by the “Big Three” yet defined by its artistry. As tournament director Amélie Mauresmo noted, his exit aligns with Roland Garros 2025’s theme of celebrating legends, alongside tributes to Nadal and Mary Pierce 12.
💬 What They’re Saying
- Tennis Analyst Ryan Harrison: “Gasquet’s grace under pressure embodied the soul of French tennis” 4.
- Fan in Chatrier stands: “He made us dream for two decades. That backhand was poetry” 10.
📅 What’s Next for Roland Garros?
While Gasquet’s journey ends, Sinner advances to face Jiri Lehecka, eyeing his first French Open title. Meanwhile, the tournament’s “Concorde Tribune” fan zone opens June 4, featuring giant screens and live DJs—a fittingly vibrant next act 12.
Final Thought: Richard Gasquet career was a masterclass in finesse in an era of power. As the clay settles, tennis bids adieu to its last great romantic—a player who never won a major but won millions of hearts. Merci, Richie. 🎾🇫🇷