Richard Gasquet Bids Farewell to Tennis with a Standing Ovation at French Open

Published: May 29, 2025

Richard Gasquet played his final match at the French Open on Thursday, May 29, 2025, after announcing his retirement from professional tennis in October 2024. The 38-year-old French tennis star was defeated by World No. 1 Jannik Sinner of Italy in straight sets.

Gasquet's family wore matching "Thank you Richie" T-shirts during the match, and a tribute video was shown on Court Philippe Chatrier before the next round began.

After the match, Sinner told Gasquet, "Congrats for everything you have done, an amazing career but most importantly an amazing person."

Roland-Garros produced a thoughtful video tribute with messages from Gasquet's fellow tennis stars to celebrate his next chapter. Sinner, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic are just a handful of the athletes that recorded messages for Gasquet.

Gasquet reflected on the end of his career and the tribute video. "Of course, I also want to thank the extraordinary opponents I had, it's true that it makes me happy, and my friends too, I see Novak. I heard Rafa at the beginning of the tribute. I also want to thank him for the words he had," he said.

Gasquet shared that he was "at home" with his mother when he saw the tribute video. "And it's true that I didn't expect that, and it gave me a lot of emotions," he said.

He also thanked his fellow tennis stars, including Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and others. "I would also like to thank Jo-Wilfried [Tsonga], Gaël [Monfils], Gilles [Simon], my generation, the musketeers, as we were often called, I know that we will find ourselves outside, we forged incredible memories, it was a magnificent era," he continued.

Tribute from Tennis Stars

Rafael Nadal, 38, said in his tribute message, "First of all, many congratulations on your amazing career. I can't forget all those years we were small kids, just trying to follow our dreams. For me, it has been a great pleasure to be your rival, to be your friend."

Novak Djokovic, 38, said, "Everybody talks about the talent you possess, and it's a truly unique, one-handed backhand that I'm sure a lot of the young players are trying to copy in France and worldwide. You've always carried yourself with a lot of respect, with a lot of humility. And I think that's something that all of us in the locker room really appreciate and respect about you the most."

Carlos Alcaraz, 22, thanked Gasquet for "inspiring a lot of young generations" in the tribute video. "The first time that I came to Roland-Garros, it was just to watch your match," Alcaraz shared, adding, "All the best in your new chapter."

Jannik Sinner, who defeated Gasquet in his final match, called Gasquet a "legend of our sport" in the tribute. "I was very privileged and honored to share the court with you," he added.