Richard Gasquet Advances in Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters with Victory Over Matteo Arnaldi
In an emotional match, the veteran French player secures his place in the second round as he approaches the end of his professional career.
Richard Gasquet, the 37-year-old veteran French tennis player, registered a significant victory over Italian Matteo Arnaldi in the first round of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.
The match, marked by Gasquet’s resilient performance, culminated in a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 win, signaling his first victory on the Monte-Carlo clay since 2018. Gasquet's current ATP ranking is 148, having once been ranked as high as number seven in the world.
In front of a lively crowd at the Monte-Carlo Country Club, Gasquet displayed a mix of skill and experience, pulling off a remarkable passing shot to clinch the first set.
This win became particularly poignant, as it marks Gasquet's likely final participation in this prestigious tournament before retiring after the French Open.
Gasquet reflected on the emotional atmosphere, stating, “This public, this atmosphere, a Sunday, it was a wonderful moment.”
Despite a strong start, Gasquet faced challenges in the second set as Arnaldi, the 24-year-old from San Remo, fought back.
Arnaldi recorded 53 unforced errors during the match, indicating inconsistency in his performance.
He managed to claim the second set but faltered under pressure, particularly during the decisive moments of the third set, ultimately succumbing to a double fault at the second match point.
Gasquet's victory represents a noteworthy accomplishment given his long tenure in professional tennis, having first made headlines at Monte-Carlo in 2002, when he secured a victory over Roger Federer as a teenager.
Now nearing 39, Gasquet shared his mixed feelings about his diminishing performance, stating, “My level has decreased a bit at the end.
But in terms of backhands, I believe I’ll still be able to enjoy playing them in ten years.”
Looking ahead, Gasquet will face either Felix Auger-Aliassime, currently ranked 19th, or German qualifier Daniel Altmaier, ranked 83rd, in the next round.
This anticipated matchup adds a layer of excitement as Gasquet seeks to extend his career and leave a lasting impression at the Monte-Carlo Masters.
The match, marked by Gasquet’s resilient performance, culminated in a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 win, signaling his first victory on the Monte-Carlo clay since 2018. Gasquet's current ATP ranking is 148, having once been ranked as high as number seven in the world.
In front of a lively crowd at the Monte-Carlo Country Club, Gasquet displayed a mix of skill and experience, pulling off a remarkable passing shot to clinch the first set.
This win became particularly poignant, as it marks Gasquet's likely final participation in this prestigious tournament before retiring after the French Open.
Gasquet reflected on the emotional atmosphere, stating, “This public, this atmosphere, a Sunday, it was a wonderful moment.”
Despite a strong start, Gasquet faced challenges in the second set as Arnaldi, the 24-year-old from San Remo, fought back.
Arnaldi recorded 53 unforced errors during the match, indicating inconsistency in his performance.
He managed to claim the second set but faltered under pressure, particularly during the decisive moments of the third set, ultimately succumbing to a double fault at the second match point.
Gasquet's victory represents a noteworthy accomplishment given his long tenure in professional tennis, having first made headlines at Monte-Carlo in 2002, when he secured a victory over Roger Federer as a teenager.
Now nearing 39, Gasquet shared his mixed feelings about his diminishing performance, stating, “My level has decreased a bit at the end.
But in terms of backhands, I believe I’ll still be able to enjoy playing them in ten years.”
Looking ahead, Gasquet will face either Felix Auger-Aliassime, currently ranked 19th, or German qualifier Daniel Altmaier, ranked 83rd, in the next round.
This anticipated matchup adds a layer of excitement as Gasquet seeks to extend his career and leave a lasting impression at the Monte-Carlo Masters.
