Gasquet honoured following final Monte-Carlo match

Richard Gasquet waved goodbye to the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters for the final time on Wednesday after falling to Daniel Altmaier in his last appearance at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

The Frenchman, who is set to retire after Roland Garros, made his debut in The Principality 23 years ago as a 15-year-old wild card. Having earned victory against Matteo Arnaldi in his opening match at this year’s event, the 38-year-old was unable to continue his run against Altmaier.

After his defeat, Gasquet was honoured during an emotional on-court ceremony.

In front of a packed crowd on Court Rainier III, Gasquet embraced Melanie Ann de Massy, President of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters and David Massey, the tournament director. They then watched a short film of Gasquet’s greatest moments at the event, including his semi-final run in 2005.

“It was amazing to walk on this exceptional court, the most beautiful in the world,” Gasquet said. “When I was young, I came to watch the matches in the stands, dreaming of stepping onto this court. I did it. Next year, I’ll return, in the stands, to watch the new talents. But the memories will always stay with me.”

Gasquet recorded a 19-12 record at the Masters 1000 clay-court event.