Rafael Nadal deservedly made the headlines after announcing his retirement from tennis at the upcoming Davis Cup Finals. But another man shared similar news Thursday: Richard Gasquet will hang up his racquet at Roland Garros 2025.
A Beloved Figure
Though the timing of the announcement wasn’t ideal, it serves as a metaphor for his career—an exceptional tennis player often overshadowed by the greatness of his contemporaries. Nevertheless, few tennis fans who grew up watching the Frenchman’s one-handed backhand pierce through his rivals don’t hold a special place in their hearts for Richard Gasquet.
A former Top 10 player, member of the 600-wins club, the youngest man to win a Masters 1000 match. 16-time ATP champion and 17-Time runner-up. These are the numbers of a tennis great. But, more remarkably than his amazing achievements, Gasquet is beloved worldwide for his scintillating tennis and his admirable character.
From French Hope To Legend
Richard Gasquet appeared on the cover of Tennis Magazine at the ridiculous age of 9. He was hailed as France’s greatest hope to win their first Grand Slam since Yannick Noah from a very young age. In a career characterized by precocity, he turned professional at just 15. The expectations on Richard were massive, and, frankly, not fair to just a boy.
Although he never secured a Grand Slam singles title for his country, falling at the hands of none other than Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic in his three semifinal appearances, Gasquet made significant contributions to French tennis. He won the men’s doubles Bronze Medal at the 2012 London Olympics alongside Julien Benneteau, and played a pivotal role in France’s victories at the 2017 Hopman Cup and Davis Cup. While he may not have become the new Noah, Gasquet is a legend of French tennis.
The Goodbye
After he received a small ceremony at this year’s US Open, Gasquet is currently playing Challengers in France. At home, he’s showing that class is permanent, emerging victorious at Cassis. The remaining schedule for the Frenchamn in the next few months isn’t clear. But he has confirmed that he will retire at Roland Garros 2025–and there is no doubt it will happen in front of a completely packed and raucous Philippe Chatrier. It will be an extremely emotional, prestigious and well-deserved send-off for the man who enamored everyone with his signature one-handed backhand. Thank you for everything you have given to tennis, Richard.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
