Did Sinner Just End Gasquet's Career at Roland Garros?

Paris, May 29 (NationPress) Jannik Sinner, the World No.1, officially concluded Richard Gasquet's distinguished career on Thursday by defeating the veteran French player with a score of 6-3, 6-0, 6-4. This victory granted Sinner a place in the men's singles third round at the French Open.

In his 22nd appearance at this prestigious clay-court event, the 38-year-old Gasquet couldn't find a way to counter Sinner's aggressive ball-striking and remarkable precision during the match, which lasted one hour and 58 minutes.

With this win, Sinner, currently ranked No. 1 in the ATP Rankings, has stretched his Grand Slam winning streak to 16 matches, marking him as the first player born in 1990 or later to achieve this milestone.

“We maintain a good rapport off the court. Though we belong to different generations, it’s your moment,” Sinner expressed to Gasquet, who famously recorded his only victory against a World No. 1 in Monte-Carlo back in 2005, defeating Roger Federer.

“Congratulations to your family and your team. Without the support of great individuals, achieving such an incredible career is impossible. You have competed in an extraordinary era of tennis, and your contributions will be recognized long after your retirement,” he added, as quoted by the ATP Tour.

Gasquet, a champion of 16 tour-level titles, achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 7 throughout his illustrious 23-year career, holding the record for the most victories (610) by a French player in the Open Era.

Following this win, Sinner, who is also the reigning US Open and Australian Open champion, will meet Jiri Lehecka in the third round, leading their ATP head-to-head series 2-0. Lehecka earned his spot in the third round at Roland Garros for the first time after defeating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina with a score of 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.

Having achieved straight-set victories over Arthur Rinderknech in the first round and Gasquet in the second, Sinner now holds an impressive 18-5 record at Roland Garros, where he reached the semifinals last year before losing to rival Carlos Alcaraz in a grueling five-set match. The 23-year-old is striving to become the first Italian man to win the singles title at the French Open since Adriano Panatta in 1976.

“Playing here is incredibly special for me,” Sinner remarked, having previously defeated Gasquet at this venue last year. “We faced each other here last year, and it’s always a tough match. I’m genuinely pleased to advance to the third round. Thank you all for creating a fair environment.”

Gasquet showcased moments of brilliance, employing his classic one-handed backhand to earn three break points while Sinner served out the first set at 5-3, eliciting enthusiastic cheers from the French crowd at Court Philippe-Chatrier. However, Sinner saved all three break points, according to Infosys Stats, and cruised to a decisive victory.