Former world No. 7 Richard Gasquet answered questions from journalists after playing the final match of his professional career. In the second round of Roland Garros, he was defeated by Jannik Sinner with a score of 3/6, 0/6, 4/6.
– You have dedicated so much time to playing tennis and this sport. What did you enjoy the most – playing or competing?
– Just playing. I simply love playing tennis so much. Even as a child, I could play at the club with my father, my parents, my friends. I enjoyed it. Of course, it`s amazing to have the chance to play in front of full stands, like today. Throughout my life, I played matches with many fans and did everything I could to compete. It was tremendous to play against such great rivals in such grand stadiums – at Roland Garros, the US Open, Wimbledon. I feel very fortunate; I was happy to spend so much time on the Tour. I have wonderful memories.
Now I am finishing, and it feels a bit strange. I`ve played my entire life. But this is tennis: sooner or later, you have to stop, and I am doing that today. I was very lucky to retire on such a stage, playing against the world`s No. 1. For me, this is the perfect ending.
– Can you recall and name one or two of your best matches or fondest memories here? Also, on court, you mentioned it wasn`t goodbye, not `adieu`, but simply `au revoir`. What are your plans for the future?
– Just one match? It`s always difficult to pick one or two. I had many great matches – Grand Slam semi-finals, winning the Davis Cup. I will hold magnificent memories of the Tour. And today, after everything, I am concluding my career. This is life. And undoubtedly, the life of a professional tennis player is extraordinary.
But I will continue to play for pleasure – just as I did when I was a child. I will play again simply out of my love for tennis, just to play, even if I am no longer a professional. Life will go on even after my career ends. I don`t know exactly what I will do, but simply playing tennis with friends is enough for me. I will just be happy, as I already mentioned.
I am very fortunate that I am in good health right now, even though I am finishing my career at nearly 39. I just enjoy playing tennis, and I will certainly continue to do so in the future.
– You appear remarkably calm. Are you surprised that it`s all over?
– It is a bit strange, I wouldn`t claim otherwise. It feels strange to finish because I haven`t fully grasped it yet. But I am happy to end my career here at almost 39 years old. I couldn`t have wished for more, as you never know what might happen in your last tournament. Playing my final match on Court Philippe Chatrier against the world No. 1 – for me, that is wonderful. I am very pleased with what I was able to achieve in this tournament. It feels a bit strange because tomorrow there will be no stress. No need to recover, no training. No grass season. That is the most surprising aspect.
My brain keeps telling me I need to recover and rest. But I am very calm about the decision to retire and very happy to do it today, on this court, in a match against the world No. 1. The stadium was full, the weather was good. I am happy. I am happy to finish and not be completely worn out.
Yes, a lot still aches, and I am quite exhausted. But I have a good life ahead; I will be able to pursue other things. I am not suffering – some players retire in poor health. I played for many years, and I am very happy about that. I am happy that I managed to win a few matches and reach the second round here.
I am glad I didn`t end on a regrettable note. I won one match in Monaco, and one here too. Everything turned out well for me. In any case, I had a very positive end to my career. I am happy that I competed in all these tournaments. But you had to understand when to stop. And this feels like the right moment: my ranking has dropped, and I`ve had many injuries this season. No one ever truly knows when they should finish; it is always difficult. But, regardless, ending my career today on this court, in good weather – it`s wonderful, Gasquet remarked at the press conference.
Gilbert Pendleton 
Marcus Blakely