Yes, Richard Gasquet has officially retired from professional tennis as of May 29, 2025. The French icon concluded his legendary 23-year career on the ATP Tour following a final appearance at Roland Garros.
His last professional match took place on the historic Court Philippe Chatrier against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. At 38, Gasquet decided that saying goodbye in front of a home crowd was the most fitting conclusion to his journey.
Known for his signature one-handed backhand and remarkable durability, he leaves behind a legacy defined by 16 titles and record-breaking Grand Slam appearances.
When Did Richard Gasquet Announce His Retirement?
The formal process of stepping away from the professional circuit began months before the actual event. Understanding the timeline of his departure provides insight into the meticulous planning a high-level athlete undertakes to ensure a meaningful exit.
The October Declaration and Strategic Timing
On October 10, 2024, Richard Gasquet shared his decision with the world through an exclusive interview with the French newspaper L’Équipe. At 38 years old, he recognized that his body and the natural progression of the sport pointed toward a conclusion.
He specifically identified the 2025 French Open as his final destination, ensuring that his fans would have ample time to prepare for his farewell.
The Emotional Pull of Roland Garros
For Gasquet, the choice of venue for his final tournament was never in doubt. As a Frenchman, he noted that retiring in front of a home crowd at Roland Garros was “obvious” and represented the absolute best way to say goodbye to the professional game.
This decision allowed him to transition from a global competitor to a celebrated local hero in the final weeks of his active career.
The 2025 French Open: A Historic Farewell Campaign
The final chapter of Gasquet’s career was not merely a ceremonial exit; it was a demonstration of the competitive spirit that defined him for over two decades. His performance in the 2025 tournament served as a reminder of his enduring skill.
Defying Age in the Opening Round
On May 26, 2025, Gasquet extended his career by one more match with a convincing first-round victory. He defeated 23-year-old fellow Frenchman Terence Atmane with a score of 6-2, 2-6, 6-3, 6-0.
This victory was more than just a win; it secured his place in history as the first French player in the Open Era to win a singles main draw match at Roland Garros after reaching the age of 38.
The Final Showdown on Court Philippe Chatrier
The ultimate end came on May 29, 2025, during a second-round match that felt like a passing of the torch. Gasquet faced world No. 1 and top seed Jannik Sinner in straight sets on the prestigious Court Philippe Chatrier.
While the scoreline favored the younger champion, the atmosphere was one of profound respect for the departing legend as he played the final professional match of his life.
A Ceremony Fit for a Champion
Immediately following his loss to Sinner, the tournament organizers held an on-court ceremony to honor his massive legacy. Gasquet was presented with a special honorary trophy on the very clay where he had spent so many years competing.
The event was highlighted by a video tribute featuring messages from fellow tennis icons, including Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
In the stands, his family wore matching custom t-shirts that read “Thank you Richie,” adding a personal touch to the global celebration.
Analyzing the Record-Breaking Legacy of Richard Gasquet
To truly appreciate why people ask “Is Richard Gasquet retiring?”, one must look at the immense footprint he left on the sport. His career was marked by statistical anomalies and a style of play that earned him worldwide admiration.
Unparalleled Grand Slam Durability
Gasquet’s longevity is perhaps his most impressive professional attribute. By competing in the 2025 French Open, he set a new Open-Era record with 22 main-draw appearances at the tournament.
Furthermore, his 75 total Grand Slam main draw appearances rank him fourth of all time in the history of tennis. These numbers reflect a level of physical and mental resilience that few players have ever matched.
Major Achievements and Team Success
Throughout his 23-year tenure, Gasquet accumulated a trophy cabinet that reflects his elite status. He captured 16 ATP singles titles and reached a career-high world ranking of No. 7 in 2007.
His success was not limited to individual play; he was a pillar of French national tennis, winning the Davis Cup in 2017 and earning an Olympic bronze medal in men’s doubles during the London 2012 games.
The Aesthetic Masterpiece: The One-Handed Backhand
Beyond the statistics, Gasquet will be remembered for the technical beauty of his game. He was widely celebrated for having one of the most fluid and effective one-handed backhands in the history of the sport.
This signature shot allowed him to reach three Grand Slam semifinals—twice at Wimbledon (2007, 2015) and once at the US Open (2013)—proving that his classic style could compete with the modern power game.
Where Does Richard Gasquet Live After Retirement?
Now that the professional matches have concluded, focus has shifted to where the legend spends his time. His lifestyle reflects the typical balance of a high-profile athlete with deep ties to his homeland.
Primary Residence in Switzerland
Richard Gasquet officially resides in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Like many prominent professional tennis players, he relocated to Switzerland during the peak of his career for various personal and professional reasons.
This location serves as his primary base as he navigates the first years of his post-retirement life.
Staying Connected to French Roots
Despite his official residence, Gasquet remains deeply connected to his upbringing. He still spends significant time in Béziers, France, the town where he was raised.
His parents still own the family home there, and he makes it a point to return roughly every three months to visit family and childhood friends.
This dual existence allows him to enjoy the privacy of Switzerland while maintaining the personal connections that fueled his journey.
Essential Facts About Richard Gasquet’s Career
For those looking for a quick reference on the milestones that defined “Richie’s” time on the tour, the following table and lists summarize his professional impact.
| Category | Career Achievement / Detail |
|---|---|
| Retirement Date | May 29, 2025 |
| Total ATP Titles | 16 Singles Titles |
| Career High Ranking | World No. 7 (2007) |
| Total Pro Matches | 1,018 Singles Matches |
| Grand Slam Semifinals | 3 (Wimbledon ’07, ’15; US Open ’13) |
| Olympic Achievement | Bronze Medal (London 2012) |
Key Retirement Milestones:
- Open-Era Record: 22 appearances at the French Open.
- Historical Longevity: 75 total Grand Slam main draw entries.
- Final Opponent: Jannik Sinner (World No. 1).
- Final Tournament: 2025 Roland Garros.
The Future of Richard Gasquet and French Tennis
The retirement of Gasquet marks the end of an era for the “Musketeers,” the group of French players who dominated national conversation for two decades.
His departure leaves a void in the top tier of French sport, but his influence will likely remain through coaching or ambassadorial roles.
Final Reflections on the Sport
In his emotional farewell speech on Court Philippe Chatrier, Gasquet expressed a sentiment that resonated with fans worldwide. He stated, “I couldn’t dream of a better ending than having my last match on this court. I will keep loving tennis until the end of my life”.
This lifelong passion suggests that while he may no longer be competing for ATP points, he will remain a fixture in the tennis community.
Passing the Torch to a New Generation
As Gasquet steps away, the attention of French tennis fans shifts to the younger players he faced in his final season. His first-round victory over the 23-year-old Terence Atmane was a symbolic bridge between generations.
While Gasquet has set a high bar for durability and style, his career serves as a blueprint for how to maintain excellence over more than twenty years at the highest level of professional competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richard Gasquet still playing professional tennis?
No, he officially retired on May 29, 2025, after his second-round match at the French Open.
What was Richard Gasquet’s final match?
His final match was against Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros on Court Philippe Chatrier.
How many matches did Richard Gasquet play in his career?
He retired after playing a staggering 1,018 professional singles matches on the ATP tour.
Did Richard Gasquet ever win a Grand Slam?
While he did not win a singles Grand Slam title, he reached the semifinals three times and won the Davis Cup with France in 2017.
Where is Richard Gasquet originally from?
He was raised in Béziers, France, where he still frequently visits his family.
