A Tennis Era Ends: Gasquet Honored by Djokovic and Nadal

Richard Gasquet, the French tennis star renowned for his elegant style and captivating one-handed backhand, has bid farewell to his illustrious 23-year career. The occasion was marked by touching tributes from two of the sport’s titans, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, alongside other prominent figures in the tennis world. Gasquet’s final match came at the French Open, where he faced Jannik Sinner in the second round.

A Career Defined by Elegance and Skill

Richard Gasquet, born on June 18, 1986, in Béziers, France, leaves behind a legacy characterized by his aesthetically pleasing one-handed backhand. This shot, complemented by his quality all-around game, helped him secure 16 ATP titles. He also achieved over 600 match wins and reached the finals of three Masters 1000 events, peaking at world No. 7 in the rankings.

Gasquet’s best Grand Slam performances include semi-final appearances at Wimbledon in 2007 and 2015, and at the US Open in 2013. Although a Grand Slam final eluded him, his impact on the sport is undeniable. His junior career was stellar, winning junior titles at the French Open and US Open.

The Final Bow at Roland Garros

Gasquet announced at the end of 2024 that the 2025 Roland Garros would be his final tournament. His last match was a defeat against top-ranked Jannik Sinner. Despite the loss, the 38-year-old received a standing ovation and an honorary trophy during a post-match ceremony on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

“I couldn’t dream of a better ending than having my last match on this court,” Gasquet said after the match, expressing his enduring love for tennis.

Tributes from Tennis Legends

The tributes to Gasquet highlighted his significant contributions to tennis and the respect he garnered from his peers. Novak Djokovic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga appeared in a video tribute broadcast on the stadium’s screen.

Rafael Nadal’s Heartfelt Words

Rafael Nadal’s tribute was particularly poignant, given their shared history. Nadal acknowledged their first encounter at the Les Petits As tournament, where a 12-year-old Gasquet defeated him.

“I came here for the first time in 2004, I could hardly walk, I was on crutches because of my foot injury. I climbed to the top dreaming of being able to play here the following year. In 2005, I played here for the first time, and my first great experience was the match against my childhood friend and rival, Richard Gasquet. From that moment, I fully understood what Roland-Garros meant.”

Nadal also reflected on the rivalries that defined his career, including those with Andy Murray, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic, noting how these rivalries pushed him to his limits.

Other Voices of Appreciation

Many other figures in the tennis world also shared their admiration for Gasquet. Fellow French players like Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon, and Gaël Monfils also honored Gasquet.

Gasquet’s Unique Style and Impact

Gasquet’s career was not just about titles and rankings; it was about the artistry he brought to the game. His one-handed backhand was celebrated as one of the most beautiful and effective in the Open era.

The “Mozart of Tennis”

Richard Gasquet earned the nickname “Mozart of Tennis” for his elegant and fluid style. At 15, he was compared to Mozart by the French Tennis Federation president Lionel Faujare. His backhand was ranked as the fifth greatest single-hander of the Open era in 2023.

A Lasting Legacy

Gasquet’s influence extends beyond his individual achievements. He was part of the French team that won the Davis Cup in 2017 and secured an Olympic bronze medal in men’s doubles at the 2012 London Olympics with Julien Benneteau.

Career Highlights and Statistics

Richard Gasquet’s career boasts numerous accomplishments:

• 16 ATP singles titles
• Runner-up at the 2005 Hamburg Masters
• Runner-up at the Canada Masters in 2006 and 2012
• Three Grand Slam semi-final appearances
• Mixed doubles title at the 2004 French Open with Tatiana Golovin
• Olympic bronze medal in men’s doubles at the 2012 London Olympics
• Over 600 career match wins

Memorable Moments

Throughout his career, Gasquet had several memorable moments:

• Defeating Rafael Nadal as a junior at the Les Petits As tournament.
• Winning the mixed doubles title at Roland Garros in 2004.
• Reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2007 and 2015.
• Being a part of the Davis Cup-winning French team in 2017.

The Future

As Richard Gasquet steps away from professional tennis, his contributions to the sport will be remembered fondly. His elegant style, remarkable backhand, and sportsmanship have left an indelible mark on the game.