By Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Thursday, May 29, 2025
Photo credit: Shi Tang/Getty
French veteran Richard Gasquet is enjoying his final bow at his home Grand Slam and says he has no regrets on calling time on his standout career.
Gasquet, 38, concluded his career with a second-round loss to World No. 1 Jannik Sinner 63 60 64 in front of an appreciative and adoring Paris crowd.
After the match, Gasquet enjoyed a special ceremony from the French Tennis Federation that included remarks from his friends and rivals on tour including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Gilles Simon, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and more.
Gasquet garnering plenty of respect from his peers on tour#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/4f6OgHus2Y
— Cracked Racquets ® (@CrackedRacquets) May 29, 2025
In his press conference, Gasquet said he still can’t believe his pro tennis career is over, but he is looking forward to the next chapter.
“It’s a little strange that it’s over. I wouldn’t be able to state the contrary. It is strange to finish here, because I haven’t really taken it all in yet. But I’m happy, happy to finish here at practically thirty nine years old.
Merci Richard 🥹#RolandGarrospic.twitter.com/VXuzIqC5Lh
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 29, 2025
“I couldn’t have dreamt of a better end, because, you know, you never know what could happen on your last tournament,” Gasquet said. “It’s not always easy everywhere, every day. So to finish today on Chatrier against the number one in the world, it’s a wonderful end for me.
“So I’m very happy with what I was able to do for this tournament. It’s a little strange, because there is no stress tomorrow. There is no recovery. There is no training. There is no lawn tennis. So this is the most astonishing thing. I’ve got my mind just telling me that I’ve got to recover and rest.”
Nadal, who also enjoyed his own farewell ceremony in Paris a few days ago, posted a heartfelt message on social media to his friend who has known since they competed as young teenagers over 20 years ago.
Dear @richardgasquet1… Since we were kids we have shared so many moments together on and off the court. Hundreds of tournaments, cities, matches…Throughout your great career your talent has been recognized worldwide and I am happy that today you were able to say goodbye to… pic.twitter.com/Phw93TQdmu
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) May 29, 2025
Gasquet, earned 610 career ATP Tour wins, 16 career titles, over $21 million in prize money, and a career high World No. 7 ranking.
What’s next? More tennis, but for fun and love of the sport.
“Yes. I enjoy playing. To play just for pleasure, this is why I know I’m going to play, because I enjoy it. I have always enjoyed it,” Gasquet said. “But to do it without stress, without training, just for the pleasure will be fantastic. I’m going to continue doing that.
“I enjoy the game. I love playing, and this is something I have always loved.”
