PARIS/WASHINGTON, October 30, 2024 (by Michael Dickens)

Immense emotions poured forth from both Richard Gasquet and his legion of tennis fans as the lights dimmed inside Accor Arena’s Court Central and a video tribute saluting the career of the 38-year-old grand gentleman of French tennis commenced.

Gasquet’s “first goodbye,” in advance of his forthcoming retirement from pro tennis at next year’s Roland-Garros, took place late Tuesday afternoon, shortly after the former World No. 7 lost his final match at the Rolex Paris Masters.

VINTAGE Richard #RolexParisMasters | @RolexPMasters | @richardgasquet1 pic.twitter.com/G9cpKPFBUP

— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 29, 2024

The oldest player in the draw, Gasquet was defeated in the first round by 65th-ranked Zizou Bergs of Belgium, 6-3, 6-4, in an hour and 20 minutes. Despite the loss, which dropped the 133rd-ranked Gasquet’s tour-level win-loss record for this season to 3-13, there were a few vintage moments that turned back the clock.

French fans showed their appreciation for Gasquet by showering him with thunderous applause as he said goodbye after 17 appearances at Bercy. He could be forgiven for losing to an up-and-coming player 13 years his junior.

Zizou can do @ZizouBergs ends the #RolexParisMasters career of legendary Frenchman Richard Gasquet, 6-3 6-4, on his debut in Bercy. pic.twitter.com/MzJ9Vv7zVo

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 29, 2024

“It was amazing for me to be here, I had extraordinary sensations on this beautiful short, with you,” Gasquet said, translated from French. “Thank you for all these emotions. Thank you for everything.”

De 2003 à 2024, Richard nous a fait vibrer. Dans la victoire comme dans la défaite, le public parisien a su le pousser, de son premier match face à Gaudio jusqu’au dernier point face à Bergs. Merci Richard #RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/myhHIl56lW

— ROLEX PARIS MASTERS (@RolexPMasters) October 29, 2024

Later, during his final Bercy news conference, Gasquet was asked by a reporter to describe how he handled the emotions of playing his final Paris Masters.

“Yes, it’s strange. You feel a lot of emotion,” Gasquet said. “It’s not the last tournament fortunately, but also the court surface was quite fast. Sometimes I felt overwhelmed, I have to admit.

“I didn’t always play well. I was a bit tense. [Bergs] had two matches under his belt, so he managed to get the upper hand quickly. I didn’t get the break points, but I can’t say what I feel. I have always played tennis all my life. So delivering such a speech at the end, you know, it’s a bit strange.

“But that’s life. It has to happen one day. I tried to push it back as much as possible, but it had to happen one day.”

Une page se tourne pour Richard Gasquet, qui a disputé son dernier Rolex Paris Masters ❤️‍#RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/NtGk0qwyR8

— ROLEX PARIS MASTERS (@RolexPMasters) October 29, 2024

Gasquet was unapologetic for tearing up after Tuesday’s match, during the video and the on-court ceremony, which featured Paris Masters tournament director Cedric Pioline and French Tennis Federation President Gilles Moretton.

“As soon as I announced it, it hit me. It’s the last tournament, so it’s not obvious,” Gasquet admitted. “I felt tense. You know it’s the last time. So it was very specific. He played well. He was stronger than me. I didn’t deliver, and the surface was fast.

“I didn’t manage to hit wonderful shots, but that’s what tennis is all about. It’s still a passion. It’s the first round of Bercy. There is a lot of public. Delivering a speech after all this wasn’t easy.”

Finally, Gasquet was asked to describe what his 2025 schedule might look like leading up to his retirement at Roland-Garros, as well as if there are any tournaments that are sentimental to him.

“Montpellier, Marseilles, I would like to play last time, because they are dear to my heart,” Gasquet said. “Monaco, as well. I’d like to play quallies 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.”

17 .
1 .

Merci de nous avoir procuré des émotions une dernière fois ✨#RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/xiINb43JdC

— ROLEX PARIS MASTERS (@RolexPMasters) October 29, 2024

After winning 605 ATP Tour matches — including 143 at the Masters 1000 level — and 16 titles, Gasquet hopes there is still some magic remaining in his beautiful, one-fisted backhand. Any victories along the way would be like icing on the cake for the Beziers native, who turned pro in 2002 and will be remembered as part of a proud generation of French Mousquetaires that also includes Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Gilles Simon and Gaël Monfils.

“So, I hope that I can continue until then,” he said. “I was asked if I would stop in Bercy or in Roland-Garros. I think it’s a good choice to stop at Roland-Garros. I wanted to play as many matches as possible, because ending your sports life is not easy. …

“I’ll be 39 next year in Paris,” Gasquet added. “I can’t wish any further.”