The stadium held its breath for the one last time. Amidst the presence of his homeland folks, a French ATP star stood where it all began, a place that saw his dreams flying and his history being written. Richard Gasquet, France’s star athlete etched poetry with his backhand one last time for the crowd in Montpellier. While people clapped and cheered for him, the air was heavy with emotion; they knew it was almost the end of an era. Although the inevitable farewell came sooner than expected, it brought another milestone to Gasquet’s name. So, what happened, and what milestone did he achieve?
Richard Gasquet, a former PIF ATP number seven, finally bid farewell to his favorite tournament. Last year in an interview with L’Equipe, he revealed his plans to retire this season after the French Open tournament. Reflecting on his decision, Gasquet said, “It is the best tournament to do it. It’s magnificent, we have the chance being French to be able to stop in these kind of incredible places. An end, it’s always complicated, all the former great players always told me it’s not easy to announce. You never know when, how, where. Here, in any case, it is obvious.”
Gasquet, a ten-year senior to his opponent Tallon Griekspoor at the Montpellier’s Open Occitanie, retired after losing the second-round match in three straight sets. The French athlete was beaten 3-6, 6-3, 5-7 in a two-hour and three-minute battle in Court Patrice Dominguez. “It’s got to happen, saying a few words for your last match at home. I was born here, this region has a huge place in my heart, it’s my home no matter what. Winning the title here three times, I never would have believed it. I’ve always had a lot of support in this region, from the time I was nine until now,” said the veteran to his emotional crowd.
Merci, Richard.
24 years on tour.
Incredible. pic.twitter.com/ODJDiQuJ5j
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 30, 2025
This Frenchman was a finalist in this tournament for six consecutive years (2013-2018). This was his 13th record appearance in Montepellier, where he previously won 29 matches. Needless to say, Gasquet was honored by the committee. Post-retirement, the tournament organizers unveiled a poster with the caption “Merci Richard” and presented him a memento with photos of his three title wins in three years (2013, 2015, 2016). Calling himself “lucky” that day, Griekspoor touchingly said, “Unbelievable career, achieved so much. If I can achieve a little bit of what he’s achieved in his career, I’d absolutely sign for it.” The Dutch player’s statement highlighted Gasquet’s illustrious career in the sport.
Richard Gasquet’s career milestones highlight his legacy. He might have lost his final match at Montpellier but he still bagged a position beside Roger Federer by making a surprising record. So, what is it?
Richard Gasquet made an astonishing record at Montpellier’s Open Occitanie
Two days back, this French player defeated countryman Adrian Mannarino in the tournament’s first round in two straight sets with a score line of 6-3, 6-2. Following this victory, he reached an interesting milestone: winning at least one match in 24 consecutive seasons. Before Gasquet, only Roger Federer had achieved this record, with wins from 1998 to 2021. With a feat like Federer, Gasquet proved his brilliance in the sport – a heavy career, where he won over 600 matches with 16 ATP titles and reached three Grand Slam semifinals.
Gasquet was once lauded for his game by Roger Federer himself. In the 2021 Wimbledon Championships, the Frenchman lost against the Swiss legend, and yet received extraordinary praise that highlighted his skills. The Swiss Maestro complimented Gasquet’s backhand, saying, “If I can do even something a little similar to that I will be happy with myself.” Federer’s statement showcased how even a legend like him has something to learn from Gasquet.
Richard Gasquet’s retirement was an emotional moment for the home crowd at Montpellier. Needless to say, his on-court brilliance in the Occitanie Open tournament will continue to inspire the younger generation, as Gasquet leaves a glorious legacy for his countrymen.
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