Rolex Paris Masters: “We wish this moment never came”: Gasquet’s moving farewell to the tournament

The little Mozart of French tennis is bowing out. Richard Gasquet, who always hated this nickname given to him since his adolescence, will no longer take to the Accor Arena pitch. Already because the Rolex Paris Masters will no longer take place there next year, but above all because the Frenchman participated for the last time. Seven months before the end of his career, which he will celebrate at Roland-Garros, the Biterrois lost in the first round against the Belgian Zizou Bergs (6-3, 6-4).

The public’s tribute was vibrant, at the height of his career. 7th in the world in 2007, Grand Slam semi-finalist three times, Richard Gasquet was one of the darlings of the French public for many years. His shimmering backhand, his warrior mentality and his humility will undoubtedly be greatly missed.

The Frenchman is, however, on a downward slope which seems inexorable. Now 133rd in the world, the Biterrois no longer has his former glory and is now overtaken by the new generation. This Tuesday, Zizou Bergs did not have to exert his talent to qualify for the second round. Drafted at the last minute following the withdrawal of Flavio Cobolli, hit in the right shoulder, the Belgian showed off his powerful serve and his offensive game. Two breaks in the middle of each set were enough to advance to the second round, where he will face Adrian Mannarino.

But the man of the day isn’t him, it’s Richard Gasquet. Scheduled for the last match of the daytime session at the Central, the former French tennis star was able to enjoy a nice ovation from the public, his audience. The last game was also filled with a certain emotion, the fans enjoying the last exchanges of their idol. Exchanges which turned in favor of Zizou Bergs. But that’s not the most important thing.