Frenchman and former world number seven Richard Gasquet announced his upcoming retirement last Thursday.
Coincidentally coming the day Rafael Nadal also announced he would be calling time on his illustrious career, the Gasquet news has been understandably overshadowed.
A former top 10 player, Gasquet is born just 15 days after Nadal but has decided to extend his career a few months longer to Roland Garros.
However, their careers have broadly ran parallel to each other and are both heroes at Roland Garros for different reasons.
With ambitions of retiring in front of the home crowd he has provided so much entertainment for over the years, Gasquet has shared he still has one ambition before his career conclusion.
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Richard Gasquet reveals final wish before retirement
Known for his flowing one-handed back-hand, the 38-year-old was anticipated to be one of the best of his generation, after some early Junior major title wins.
Despite not quite reaching such heights, Gasquet still picked up 16 ATP titles over his career, as well as a French Open mixed doubles title.
With just a few months left and the Frenchman currently ranked 133th, Gasquet shared his one remaining ambition, via Punto de break.
“I want to return to the top 100, although I am aware that it is not an easy goal to achieve, but I am trying to give my best, everything I have left at this moment.
“I know I will retire soon, possibly at Roland Garros, so now I am trying to find pleasure in tennis. I still have fun on the court, but I need to find a way to keep winning matches and enjoy everything the circuit entails.”
Gasquet confirmed the French Open would be his retirement place, barring no injury hiccups.
What is Richard Gasquet’s record at the French Open?
Clinching the junior title in 2002, Gasquet also made his senior Grand Slam tournament debut at there just a few weeks before his 16th birthday.
He was the second-youngest player ever to compete in the main draw there. Despite the lack of senior experience, he remarkably managed to take a set off the eventual champion Albert Costa in the opening round.
Two years later, he won the mixed doubles title at Roland Garros with partner Tatiana Golovin.
His best ever senior run came 12 years later when he reached the last eight, losing out to Andy Murray in four sets – who also announced his retirement this year.
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