This is where it all started and it’s also where everything is going (almost) to finish. Richard Gasquet, 38, received an invitation for the Monte-Carlo Masters 1000 (April 7 to 13), one of the last tournaments in his career before definitively rackets in the next Roland-Garros.
The world’s ex-n ° 7 is currently in 148th place, far too far from the summits to hope for a qualifying place in the table. But there was no doubt that his service states would guarantee him the first of the four Wild-Card offered by the Monegasque organizers.
“Richard Gasquet will thus make a final return to the land where his legend has started to write,” said the tournament in a statement. At the dawn of its last season, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters wanted to offer this virtuoso of the circuit a final dance on the clay Monegasque. A way to salute your exceptional career and offer the public the opportunity to honor a career made of talent, passion and unforgettable exploits … “
The link between the Biterrois and the Rock has lasted for … 23 years. At 15 and ten months old, in 2002, it was on the clay of the MCCC that the Hérault adolescent won his first match on the ATP circuit against Argentinian Franco Squillari, semi-finalist of Roland-Garros 2000 and 53rd at the time. Three years later, the Habs, then 101st at ATP, will sign one of its greatest exploits there by dominating the world n ° 1 Roger Federer in the quarterfinals.
Before honoring the invitation to the Principality, Gasquet, who recoveries an injury to adductors, will go to the Bucharest tournament.