Tennis Player Jannik Sinner is Leaving Favorite French Retiree in the Dust
Richard Gasquet Bids Emotional Farewell at French Open
Melancholy pervades the French Open as another veteran tennis player hangs up his racquet. Successor to earlier retiree, former champ Stan Wawrinka, Richard Gasquet's career culminates in a poignant second-round loss.
On Court Philippe Chatrier, the 38-year-old French favorite met his match against up-and-coming Jannik Sinner. The young Italian, ranked world number one, displayed no remorse as he sent Gasquet into retirement with a straightforward 6:3, 6:0, 6:4 victory.
Sinner, just one year old when Gasquet made his ATP debut, conveyed his respect for the aging champion: "Today is Richard's moment. I want to congratulate you on a fantastic career. You've achieved great success in an incredible era of tennis." The victor will advance to face Czech Jiri Lehecka, who handily defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in their match.
Gasquet faced his second Grand Slam match post a three-month doping ban, yet he showed no indication of weakness on Court Philippe Chatrier. The audience welcomed the South Tyrolean with warmth, yet Parisian hopes for a miraculous Gasquet comeback were illusory.
Gasquet's career spanned nearly two decades, a testament to his sustained competitiveness. Among his countless tournament wins, he claimed 16 ATP titles and reached a high ranking of world No. 7. His best Major performances were semifinals at Wimbledon and the US Open. As a three-time ATP Masters 1000 finalist, he just missed landing a title crown, which often eluded him due to encounters with formidable opponents like Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer.
Though he never took home a Grand Slam or Masters 1000 trophy, Gasquet is remembered for his graceful game and one-handed backhand, considered among the best in modern tennis history. His longevity on tour, coupled with a string of victories against top-tier players, has solidified his status as a respected elder on the ATP circuit.
Source: ntv.de, sue/sid
The emotional farewell by Richard Gasquet at the French Open, a former tennis champ, is recognized as part of the sports world's history. As he played his last match against Jannik Sinner in the French Open, Gasquet's career in tennis, spanning nearly two decades, came to an end on Court Philippe Chatrier.
