(May 29, 2025) The 23-year professional career of Frenchman Richard Gasquet came to an end on Thursday with a 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 loss No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the second round of the French Open also known as Roland Garros.
The 38-year-old Frenchman received a standing ovation and an honorary trophy during a post-match ceremony on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Gasquet had a high ranking of No. 7 in 2007 and won 16 titles in his career,
“I couldn’t dream of a better ending than having my last match on this court,” Gasquet said after losing to Sinner. “I will keep loving tennis until the end of my life.”
“We have a good relationship off the court. We are different generations, but it’s your moment,” Sinner said to Gasquet, who recorded his sole win over a World No. 1 in Monte-Carlo in 2005, when he beat Roger Federer. “Congrats to your family, to your team. Without great people around each player, it’s impossible to make such an incredible career. You played in such an incredible era of tennis and everyone will recognize you, even after your retirement.”
Three time French Open winner Novak Djokovic overcame a toe blister but defeated Frenchman Corentin Moutet 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (1).
“With him, anything’s possible,” Djokovic said. “But I managed to find the right shots to stay in the match.”
Djokovic is coming off winning his 100th tournament.
“Before last week’s tournament in Geneva, I didn’t feel confident in my game. But it’s normal to feel that way, because I hadn’t won enough matches,” Djokovic said. “I’m like any other player in that respect. I’ve had to work hard to win.”
Second seed Coco Gauff stopped qualifier Tereza Valentova of the Czech Republic 6-2, 6-4 in 75 minutes on Court Suzanne-Lenglen to reach third round.
“There is a sense of urgency after getting broken, for sure. You don’t want to get too far behind. You don’t want to get two breaks down. You can live with one break. But she’s definitely got to serve better and do a better job of holding as the tournament progresses,” said Gauff’s father, Corey. “She’s probably been one of the best returners of serve on the tour the last two to three months. But that’s not what you want. You want to hold first, for sure. It’s not really a break until you hold.”
Other winners in the women’s bracket included No. 3 Jessica Pegula, No. 7 Madison Keys, No. 6 Mirra Andreeva, 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova,
Rising star Brazilian teen Joao Fonseca beat Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert 7-6(4) 7-6(4) 6-4 to reach the third round.
“I would say Brazilians, when they are in trouble, they find a way to manage themselves,” said Fonseca. “In important moments I just try to be brave, to be [courageous]. In the second-set tie-break, I was 3/0 down. I did some amazing shots. I think that’s the difference between the good guys in the Top 50 from the Top 10: They need to be brave, they need to know how to play in important moments.”
