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Richard Gasquet - Roland Garros 2021

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ATP star admits he ‘didn’t feel ready’ for emotional retirement ceremony in Paris

Matthew Johns
Matthew Johns
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Richard Gasquet was clearly very emotional during the retirement ceremony at his home ATP Masters 1000 event in Paris, with the Frenchman explaining why he ‘didn’t feel ready’ for it.Gasquet confirmed that he would be retiring earlier this month, but was overshadowed by Rafael Nadal who made the same announcement on the same day. The 38-year-old plans to continue playing until
Roland Garros next year, making this his final Paris Masters tournament. And yesterday saw Gasquet play his final match at the tournament, after the former semi-finalist was beaten in straight sets by lucky loser Zizou Bergs.Despite the loss, Gasquet received a huge ovation and the match was followed up by a ceremony to celebrate his 22-year career. After this ceremony, the former World No.7 spoke about why it is time for him to call it an end, “I prepared so much for Bercy. I said to myself I would give 100 percent of what I have, but the level was less good on this tournament. If I’m at this ranking now, it’s not for any reason. I ended up 130 worldwide. That’s why I’m stopping. Otherwise I wouldn’t end my career now.”
Gasquet was very emotional during this ceremony, and has suggested that he wasn’t mentally prepared to lookback on his career just yet. “Well, I didn’t feel ready,” admitted Gasquet. “You know, it was a first. You always have a first and a last. It was a first for me this time.” He continued, “When you play your first time, you play for the first time Roland Garros and Bercy, this is incredible. And I found myself with a mic for the first time today, and it felt like a first time. It was the first time, actually. Really, it moved me to end up this tournament this way, but I still have a few opportunities ahead. I’ll be 39 next year in Paris. I can’t wish any further.”
Gasquet is only scheduled to play in Metz for the rest of this year, and plans to compete in Montpellier, Marseille and the Monte Carlo Masters next year, before saying farewell at Roland Garros.Inside the baseline…Although it did not necessarily go so well for Richard Gasquet in terms of his tennis yesterday, the ceremony for him was lovely and it was clear how much the crowd reception meant to him. Gasquet is obviously no longer the player that he once was, but it would be nice to see him have a decent run at one of his final tournaments, and Roland Garros is the ultimate dream farewell.
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