ROLAND GARROS

May 30, 2023

Richard Gasquet

Press Conference

A. RINDERKNECH/R. Gasquet

6-4, 2-6, 6-2, 7-6

Q. What would you say about your match? Was it like the symbolic gesture of the old guard?

RICHARD GASQUET: Being led 5-0, it's very difficult to get back, and it's not common to get to 5-5. At 1-0 in the tiebreaker, then these two points -- so he got confident again. These two points really hurt. But I was 5-0, so one should not forget it.

But when he had a double fault, I should have gotten back, and I didn't manage. It was really a lack of mental.

Q. In the many emotions you felt in Roland, can you tell us about your picking up in the fourth set? The public was behind you.

RICHARD GASQUET: Yes, it was surprising. 5-0, it was difficult to get back, but I wanted to fight. Obviously, I'm not as good as I used to. Some scores are more difficult than others than they used to be, so you have to accept what's happening.

I tried to do my best. I almost did it. It doesn't mean I would have won the fifth set, but it could have been different. But if you look at the whole match, I liked two things: My fighting spirit. I did get one or two points from time to time, but I liked my fighting spirit.

Q. How did you approach this match? Are you hoping to get to the grass quickly?

RICHARD GASQUET: Yes, I am hoping to get to the grass this year. I didn't do very well on clay. Balls were heavy. There was a lack of strength.

I felt I played better on the hard surface, but that's the way it is. I did my best, and now I'm going to start with the other tournaments.

It's true that the atmosphere on court was great. It's always a good moment to go through. I was sorry to lose, but that's the way it is.

Q. Sorry to ask you this question, but years go by. Last year Jo managed his exit, Gilles managed his exit in Bercy. Are you now thinking about the time when you would like to leave the tour, which is not an easy moment for the players?

RICHARD GASQUET: No, I haven't thought about it. I hope to be able to still play next year, have a last Roland Garros.

We'll see the ranking. I'll have to defend some points. In the beginning of the year I'll see where I am in the ranking. If I lose too many points and I'm too far, well, we'll see where I stop. Maybe next year in Roland Garros. It's a possibility. Why not? It's not impossible. Everything can be done.

Obviously, if I had a place to pick, it would be here maybe. Maybe in a year. I hope I can still hold for the next year and see the ranking. If I'm decent in my ranking, then it will be time to finish, to end.

Q. (Off microphone.)

RICHARD GASQUET: Yes, it might be time to stop and to -- I didn't play that bad at the beginning of the season. I'm ranked around 60. I'm not ridiculous.

Anything can be done, but finishing in Roland Garros would be great. It's better than finishing elsewhere. I haven't found the name, but it would be -- the most beautiful place to end my career would be here. We all watched TV when we were young and watched Roland Garros. It's true that there's no better place to finish my career than here. Next year maybe that might be it.