Sinner Ends Gasquet’s Career with Straight-Sets Win at French Open

World number one Jannik Sinner ended Richard Gasquet’s long tennis career with a comfortable 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 win at the French Open on Thursday, moving into the third round.

It was the second year in a row that 23-year-old Sinner defeated the Frenchman in Paris. Gasquet, now 38, had announced this would be his final tournament after more than 20 years on tour, during which he won 16 singles titles.

With his team wearing white shirts that read “Merci Richard”, Gasquet received a standing ovation from the crowd and watched farewell messages on the big screen from fellow stars including Novak Djokovic and the recently retired Rafael Nadal.

“I want to thank Jannik for his kindness,” Gasquet said. “He’s a great player and I know he’ll go far in his career.

“I’ve had wonderful memories with all of you — through wins and losses. I started at a small club in the south of France and travelled across the country playing. I’ll remember all the tournaments, not just Roland Garros.

“We always received such a warm welcome here. I thank the French Tennis Federation. For me, tennis ends today.”

Gasquet made his French Open debut back in 2002, when Sinner was just a baby. The home crowd cheered loudly when Gasquet showed glimpses of his trademark single-handed backhand early on, but Sinner quickly took control.

The Italian broke early to lead 4-1 and went on to take the first set. He dominated the second set 6-0, leaving Gasquet with little chance of a comeback.

Gasquet pushed harder in the third set, holding Sinner to 4-4 at one point, but Sinner broke to go 5-4 up and calmly served out the match. After the win, he paid tribute to his opponent.

“We have a good relationship off the court,” Sinner said. “We’re from different generations, but this is your moment.

“Congratulations to your family and your team. A great career like yours is only possible with the right people around. You played in a special era of tennis, and people will always remember you, even after your retirement.”

This win means Sinner is now the first man born in 1990 or later to achieve 16 straight wins at Grand Slam tournaments. He will face Czech player Jiri Lehecka in the next round.