Gasquet bids emotional farewell to Paris Bercy

Richard Gasquet exited for the final time at the Paris Masters on Tuesday, going out to Belgian lucky loser Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-4 as the 38-year-old Frenchman said his emotional goodbye to the Bercy arena crowd.

The former world No. 7 who turned pro 22 years ago has already booked a retirement date after next spring’s Roland Garros edition but with a 133 ranking will have to rely on wild card entries..

He would have hoped to last longer in front of home fans after receiving a wild card into the field where he reached the 2007 semi-finals and a pair of quarter-finals – the last in 2016.

“I prepared so much for Bercy. I said to myself I would give 100 per cent of what I have, but the level was less good on this tournament,” Gasquet said after an on-court ceremony highlighting his career which left him in tears.

If I’m at this ranking now, it’s not for any reason. I ended up 130 worldwide. That’s why I’m stopping. Otherwise I wouldn’t end my career now.”

 The 16-time ATP title-winner with one of the best one-handed backhands in the sport added:  

“I’m giving 100 per cent of everything I have, but the level was less good on this tournament.

Gasquet will be concentrating on his final months all the way to Paris when the clay major begins in late May.

“I’m lucky to be in good physical shape, to play well, to be able to pretend to expect winning some matches. 

“I try not to be wounded and to enjoy as much as I can. I’ll try to carry on until the French Open,” he said, adding that he dreams of playing the French events of Montpellier and Marseille next season “, because they are dear to my heart.” 

“I’d like to play qualies in Monaco. A few challengers in France, as well. And Roland Garros. To try to have a nice season. There are beautiful tournaments to play ahead.”