Sinner eases through as Gasquet bids emotional adieu

[Pelican Press 0]

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Sinner eases through as Gasquet bids emotional adieu

World No.1 Jannik Sinner has cruised into the third round of the French Open, bringing down the curtain on Richard Gasquet’s career for good measure.

Gasquet, the veteran Frenchman, had announced he would retire after his 22nd Roland Garros campaign, and would have needed to pull off a major shock to prolong his last tournament.

There was to be no fairytale in Paris for the 38-year-old, who bowed out with one final flourish of that inimitable one-handed backhand in a 6-3 6-0 6-4 defeat.

Sinner is bidding for the second part of a potential calendar-year grand slam and to become the first Italian men’s champion since 1976.

But the 23-year-old knew this was Gasquet’s day, and said: “Congrats for everything you have done, an amazing career, but most importantly an amazing person.”

Gasquet, received a standing ovation and an honorary trophy during a post-match ceremony on Court Philippe-Chatrier, said: “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.”

Third seed Alexander Zverev, last year’s runner-up, dropped the first set against Dutchman Jesper De Jong but hit back to win 3-6 6-1 6-2 6-3.

“It wasn’t the best set of tennis, the first,” Zverev said in a post-match interview. “I am still having chances not playing great. Once I found my rhythm I felt very comfortable.”

“I am happy about my level. He played a fantastic match also. I hope I can continue playing great tennis and we will see what I can achieve.”

French 14th seed Arthur Fils came through a dramatic four-and-a-half-hour marathon against Spain’s Jaime Munar.

The 20-year-old needed treatment for a back injury during the third set and could barely move in the fourth, but the painkillers kicked in just in time for him to complete a 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-4) 2-6 0-6 6-4 win.

Portuguese qualifier Henrique Rocha, ranked 200th in the world, staged a memorable comeback to beat 19th seed Jakob Mensik 2-6 1-6 6-4 6-3 6-3.

Rocha, who is playing in a Grand Slam’s main draw for the first time, will face Alex de Minaur’s conqueror, Alexander Bublik, in the third round.

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