The Australian Open paid tribute to Richard Gasquet as he played his last match at the tournament.
The former world No. 7 will end his career later this year and has embarked on something of a farewell tour.
In his final appearance at Melbourne Park, Gasquet suffered defeat in the first round of qualifying.
Gasquet was the 23rd seed in the Australian Open qualifying draw, but he fell at the first hurdle on Monday, losing 7-6(4) 6-3 to Duje Ajdukovic.
It was the 38-year-old’s last outing at the Aussie Open – a tournament he’s played 17 times previously in his career. And the tournament issued a statement following his defeat.
“Richard Gasquet’s Australian Open career comes to a close,” the Australian Open wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“Thank you for the many years of entertaining us in Melbourne and we wish you all the best in retirement.”
In October, the 16-time title winner announced he would be retiring at the 2025 French Open. Explaining why he chose his home Grand Slam to be his last tournament, he told L’Equipe: “I think it’s the best time for me to do it.
“It’s the best tournament to do that. It’s beautiful – we’re lucky being French to be able to stop in this kind of incredible places.
“An end is always complicated – all the former great players have often told me it’s not easy to announce it. You never know when, how, where. Here, in any case, it goes without saying.”
Since announcing his plans to end his career, Gasquet has already had plenty of emotional farewells. He made his last appearance at the Paris Masters in October and was honoured with an on-court ceremony, bursting into tears.
The former world No. 7 later said he was disappointed to lose his opening match in the Accor Arena and explained that he was only retiring because his level and ranking had dropped.
“I prepared so much for Bercy. I said to myself I would give 100 per cent of what I have, but the level was less good on this tournament,” he explained.
“If I’m at this ranking now, it’s not for any reason. I ended up 130 worldwide. That’s why I’m stopping. Otherwise I wouldn’t end my career now.”
