Richard Gasquet will step onto the court later today looking to keep his career alive at the French Open.
The French performer will bring the curtain down at the end of this tournament and faces world number one Jannik Sinner in the second round.
It will be an extremely sad day when Gasquet eventually sails off into retirement, and the home crowd will be hopeful that he can cause a shock and prolong his playing days.
The player has been one of the finest performers to ever come from France, and he will be sorely missed as a popular figure on the ATP Tour.
Carlos Alcaraz finds something ‘crazy’ about Richard Gasquet
The Spaniard remains on course to defend his Roland Garros crown, but ahead of his next match, he has been quizzed on Gasquet and his brilliant career.
Alcaraz has admitted that he’s got a lot of respect for the player and finds something absolutely crazy about the career he’s had.
He said in his press conference: “My first ATP final was against him in 2021. He is a player that I grew up watching.
“He is a great player. I have huge respect whenever I see him in the locker room or around in the tournament. It is great to still see him.
“Probably it could be his last match here in Roland Garros. But he has defended tennis really, really well. He has been on the tour for 20 years now, which is crazy. He has played great matches.
“And I am going to say again, I grew up watching him play. It has been great facing him for my first final on the ATP, and he has been a great person when I see him around, so I appreciate everything he has done for us.”
What happened when Alcaraz played Gasquet in Croatia Open Final in 2021
This was the tournament where Alcaraz got to showcase his credentials on a grand stage for the first time.
He reached the final of the Croatia Open in some style and came up against Gasquet, who got a glimpse of what a talented boy the Spaniard was.
Alcaraz produced a dominant display to win a couple of sets by a 6-2 scoreline and showcase to the world exactly what a capable tennis player he was going to develop into.
Gasquet might finish his career as arguably the best player to never land a major title, although it certainly hasn’t been through a lack of trying.
The French performer reached three Grand Slam semi-finals during his career and held a lofty world ranking of seventh back in 2007.
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