MONTPELLIER/WASHINGTON, January 29, 2025 (by Michael Dickens)

“He’s done it! Hold the tissues. There’s more to come from Gasquet,” ATP Tour commentator Adam Fielder spoke as France’s Richard Gasquet wrapped up his 607th career victory Tuesday night.

The 38-year-old Frenchman from Beziers, about an hour’s drive from Montpellier, where he is competing this week in the ATP 250-series Open Occitanie, defeated compatriot Adrian Mannarino, 6-3, 6-2, on Court Patrice Dominguez inside a near-7,500 capacity Sud de France Arena. He put on a grand and entertaining – albeit short, only 75 minutes – performance in his first main-draw match of the 2025 season that culminated with a service winner on match point against the 36-year-old Mannarino.

Achievement unlocked

Richard Gasquet defeats Mannarino, making him one of three men in the Open Era to win a tour-level match in 24 different seasons!@OpenOccitanie pic.twitter.com/WqoMfyMuzP

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 28, 2025

In Gasquet’s final Montpellier tournament appearance, before he retires later this year after Roland-Garros in May, he’s making new memories to go along with plenty of fond ones he’s accumulated in southern France over the years. Gasquet owns tournament records for most appearances (13), titles (3, tied with fellow Frenchman Gaël Monfils) and wins (29). He reached six consecutive Open Occitanie finals from 2013-18.

After announcing his forthcoming retirement last year, the 132nd-ranked Gasquet became the third man in the Open Era to win a tour-level match in 24 different seasons after his win against Mannarino. It earned him at least one more match in Montpellier on Thursday against the 46th-ranked No. 5 seed Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands.

The former World No. 7 Gasquet was nothing if not brilliant in rolling back the years against the 108th-ranked Mannarino Tuesday, whom he has now defeated three times in four tour-level meetings and four times overall. His effort can be characterized by his display of hustle and grace about the entire court. He showed power from both wings – especially his one-fisted backhand, which has been Gasquet’s signature shot throughout his entire pro career dating from 2002.

Richard Gasquet (photo: Open Occitanie/JB Autissier)

In improving his career win-loss record to 607-403, the 16-time ATP Tour titlist won 93 percent (26 of 28) of his first-serve points, hit 16 winners – four of them were aces – and faced no break points on his serve. He broke Mannarino’s serve three times in six opportunities and outpointed his opponent 62-42.

By contrast, Mannarino won just 64 percent of his first serves, hit 15 winners and made 28 unforced errors compared to 20 by Gasquet.

Perhaps, feeling more sentimental than melancholy, Gasquet said in his on-court interview: “It’s always special to play against a friend. We are used to it. I’ve played many times against a French player. But it’s a little bit different [this time] because it’s my last in Montpellier. Plus, I’m really happy to win.

“I hope Adrian will play good in the future,” Gasquet added, putting in a good thought for his friend and foe from Soisy-sous-Montmorency, whose good fortunes have plummeted of late. Against Gasquet, Mannarino was playing his first match ranked outside the Top 100 since August of last year.

Meanwhile, Gasquet sits 32 spots outside of the Top 100 and will be challenged to crack it one last time before he retires. However, he was a Top-50 player as recently as 2018 before injuries and bad luck befell him. Still, Gasquet shows the desire to excel each time he walks out on the court. He remains a popular player – especially in France, where he will play at the Open 13 Provence in Marseille in mid-February.

During his post-match news conference, Gasquet was asked if he felt relieved after playing a decent match. He said (translated from French): “That’s the word, relieved. I didn’t really know my form, I didn’t know how I was going to play. … I haven’t played many matches this season but, here, I know that it’s a venue that suits me.”

HISTORY!

Richard Gasquet beats Adrian Mannarino 6-3, 6-2 to reach the 2nd round in Montpellier (has 3 titles and 29 wins at the event).

He becomes the 2nd ever player — after Roger Federer (1998-2021) to win at least *one* tour-level match in 24 consecutive seasons (2002-2025) pic.twitter.com/a0sRYJBQQU

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 28, 2025

Looking back on his victory over Mannarino, Gasquet said in his on-court interview he was pleased with his performance. “I’m really happy with the way I played,” he said. “It’s important to me to be able to play another match.

“I really like to play here. I won many times so I’m happy to be here, again.”

RICHIE pic.twitter.com/BLoLBUdIht

— Open Occitanie (@OpenOccitanie) January 28, 2025

Looking ahead to Roland-Garros, where he undoubtedly will receive a standing ovation and plenty of cheers from his legion of fans – especially the French – when tournament emcee Marc Maury announces his arrival on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Gasquet was asked how he would prepare for his final French Open. Without hesitating, he replied: “I’m know I’m lucky to play at 39-years-old. So, I will just try to play my best tennis, to enjoy it.”

In the meantime, there’s his next match – just his second one of the season – against Griekspoor to think about. “I played good today. It’s important to be able to play on Thursday, again,” Gasquet said. “I have nothing to lose and I hope to play well.”