Gasquet: "I finish the year #130, that's why I retire"

Fernando Murciego | 30 Oct 2024 | 17.31

Richard Gasquet bid farewell to Paris-Bercy. Source: Getty

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The professional tennis career of Richard Gasquet is coming to an end. It will be at the upcoming Roland Garros where the Frenchman hangs up his racket, but yesterday he already started his farewell tour. As expected, he participated for the last time in the Rolex Paris Masters, a tournament that has always been close to his heart. He couldn't defeat Bergs, couldn't celebrate one last victory, but the emotion felt in the speech after the match will remain forever. Later, during the press conference, Gasquet concluded his speech bidding farewell for good to one of the most special stops on the calendar.

In the Moment Emotions

“It's strange, many emotions, fortunately, it's not my last tournament, but I admit that I felt a bit overwhelmed by the fast surface. I didn't play well the whole time, was tense, he came with two matches under his belt and that ended up being an advantage. The final speech was also difficult for me, I've been playing tennis all my life, so these kinds of events are a bit strange. That's life, it had to happen someday, although I tried to postpone it as much as I could.”

Dealing with Retirement

“As soon as I announced it, something hit me inside. It was my last time here, I was tense, you know it's the last time, you're aware at all times. In the end, he played better than me and that's it, at no point did I give up, but I couldn't pull off those amazing shots, which is ultimately what it's about. It still evokes a passion, it was incredible to see so many people in a first round, it wasn't easy to deliver that speech in front of them.”

Giving Your Best Isn't Enough

“I'm giving 100% of what I have, I prepared a lot for Bercy, told myself I wanted to give my best, but in the end, the level wasn't as good as I expected. If I currently have the ranking I have, it's for a reason, I'll finish the year as #130 in the world, that's why I stop. Otherwise, I wouldn't end my career now. I'm lucky to be in good physical shape, playing well, and looking forward to some matches, so I'll try not to get injured and enjoy as much as I can until Roland Garros.”

Could You Compete Until 40?

“I couldn't say, I guess so... although Connors did it at his time in an era where no one over 35 was competing. We've had Rafa, Novak, Roger... it's incredible how fast time went by. To have a long career, having good physical condition is essential, so we'll see how long they can hold on. I'd also include Gael in this group, they all played for many years, right now it feels strange to be on the same court where Arthur or Giovanni have been, they're 21 and I'm 38. You feel like you're losing pace, it's hard to find that reference point, but it's something you take for granted when you enter the locker room and see players so young.”

2025 Schedule

“I would like to play Montpellier and Marseille for the last time, they are close to my heart. Monaco as well, I'd like to go through the qualifying phase, along with some Challengers in France and Roland Garros. There are some beautiful tournaments ahead that could help me have a good season, so I hope to have continuity on the court. Many asked me if I would retire at Paris-Bercy or Roland Garros, but I think ending it at Roland Garros is a good choice, ending your sports career is never easy, finishing this tournament this way has moved me deeply.”

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Gasquet: “Termino el año #130, por eso me retiro”

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