Jannik Sinner (right) faces Richard Gasquet. © AFP / DIMITAR DILKOFF

Tears alert: Jannik Sinner before emotional match

Jannik Sinner's second-round match at the French Open is just around the corner. And it could be a very emotional affair on Thursday.

28 May 2025

From: det

Jannik Sinner's French Open opener gave rise to all sorts of topics of conversation. One of them was the funny, partly almost provocative appearance his opponent Arthur Rinderknech. There was the comeback of the Sextner, who was 0-4 down in the third set but still managed to win the set and thus fixed the match. But there would also be Sinner's flashy outfit, which caused quite a stir. And last but not least, there's the second-round match, which promises plenty of emotions.

On Thursday at approximately 13.30:38 p.m., Sinner will face Richard Gasquet, who is on the verge of retiring at the age of XNUMX. The French Open will be the Frenchman's last tournament on the professional tour, after which he'll be done. Sinner, of all people, could end the tennis great's eventful career.

Richard Gasquet is nearing the end of his career. © APA/afp / DIMITAR DILKOFF

Gasquet was once considered a tennis prodigy, fueling France's hopes of a long-awaited first Grand Slam title since Yannick Noah in 1983. At just nine years old, little Richard graced the cover of a major French tennis magazine, alongside the words: "The champion France has been waiting for." Gasquet won the junior titles at the French Open and the US Open, made his ATP Tour debut at just 15, and beat His Majesty Roger Federer, then the world No. 18, at 1.

Injuries, media pressure, cocaine scandal

The rise was rapid—perhaps even too rapid. Suddenly, Gasquet's career stalled. Shoulder and elbow injuries, media pressure, and a positive cocaine test in 2009 (resulting in a two-and-a-half-month ban) set the Frenchman back. Gasquet climbed to seventh in the world rankings during his career, but it wasn't enough to reach the top. Nor was it enough to capture the coveted Grand Slam title. Nevertheless, the veteran boasts an impressive 7 wins and 609 tournament triumphs.

Gasquet's signature shot: the one-handed backhand. © APA/afp / DIMITAR DILKOFF

Today, Gasquet, one of the few professionals still playing with a one-handed backhand, is ranked number 166 in the world. He was granted a wildcard to compete in his final tournament in Paris – and gave himself a gift with an unexpected first-round victory over fellow countryman Térence Atmane.

"Against Sinner? I couldn't have dreamed of a better final match." Richard Gasquet

Now Gasquet faces Jannik Sinner, who is currently a formidable opponent for most professionals. After his first-round victory, Gasquet said: "Against Sinner? I couldn't have dreamed of a better final match of my career." It's quite possible that tears will flow on Thursday.