By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday, April 6, 2025
After an incredible 23-year journey, Richard Gasquet commenced his final chapter at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters with a heartfelt win.
The 38-year-old wildcard secured a hard-fought victory against Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi with a score of 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 on the iconic Court Central, setting the stage for a thrilling second-round encounter against either Felix Auger-Aliassime or Daniel Altmaier.
“The crowd was incredible,” Gasquet expressed, reflecting on the overwhelming support he received. “It was a truly beautiful moment. The key was that I played well when it mattered most and managed to hold serve at the crucial start of the third set. It was a pivotal moment. Although I felt my energy waning and my opponent was gaining momentum, I managed to serve effectively and elevate my game as he began to feel the pressure.”
“I hit some spectacular backhands down the line—shots that reminded me of my best moments on this famed court. It feels magnificent to extend my career a bit longer.”
Twenty years prior, Gasquet made history by defeating reigning World No. 1 Roger Federer at Monte-Carlo—a feat that stands as his sole victory over a top-ranked player.
In that remarkable year, the former World No. 7 made it all the way to the semifinals.
Currently ranked 148, Gasquet has announced that he will bid farewell to his professional career at Roland-Garros later this spring.
“These are unforgettable moments,” he added. “The atmosphere was electric. The stadium was packed, and it was an emotional experience. Competing in one of the premier tournaments in the world on a Sunday, I wanted to perform my best, and I was thrilled to achieve that.”
“Winning against a young and talented player like Matteo is especially rewarding, and it’s encouraging to see the bright future ahead of him.”
