5 days ago
French Open: Sinner brings down curtain on Gasquet's career
Top seed Jannik Sinner eased past French veteran Richard Gasquet in straight sets on Thursday to move into the third round at the French Open and send his opponent into retirement.
Sinner won 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 in 91 minutes to set up a meeting with Jiri Lehecka.
Before the match, Gasquet admitted that playing the world number one on centre court in his 22nd French Open at the Roland Garros Stadium would be a fitting way to end his career.
The 38-yar-old Gasquet, who was given an invitation into the main draw by the French tennis federation, realised his wish after he defeated Térence Atmane in the first round and Sinner dispatched Arthur Rinderknech.
Sinner's mission was to successfully continue his own quest for a first French Open title and set the fuse for the explosion of tributes to a man tipped nearly 30 years ago to occupy top spot in the tennis world.
The 23-year-old Italian fulfilled the former efficiently and the latter with elegance.
"Congratulations to you, your team and your family," said Sinner at the start of a 25-minute centre court homage to the former world number seven in which he was presented with a trophy by French tennis federation chief Gilles Moretton and tournament director Amélie Mauresmo.
"It's not possible to make such a career without good people around you," Sinner added.
"You played in an incredible era and we hope that you can come back to the tennis courts as it's nice to have you around. All the best for your new chapter."
Read more on RFI EnglishRead also:Injured Gasquet pulls out of Australian OpenGasquet leads France to victory at Hopman CupBirthday boy Nadal sees off Gasquet to reach French Open third round
