PARIS – World No. 1 Jannik Sinner retired Frenchman Richard Gasquet on Thursday, making it easier for the third round in the generational battle at the French Open with a 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 hammer.
It was the second time in Paris that a 23-year-old sinner defeated local hero Gasquet.
“It’s clearly a very special place for me to play Richard. I played last year too. It’s very tough, but I’m happy to be in the third round,” Thinner said. “I think we have a good relationship from the court. We are from a different generation, but that’s his moment now. Congratulations on your career, you’ve given the fans a lot.
“You had a great career, but you’re a great person too.”
Gasquet, 38, who made his French open debut in 2002 when the top-seeded sinner was still in the crib, drew a loud roar from the crowds of Philip Chatoria on the court when he unleashed a backhand with one hand in Italian early in the match.
Fans settled a bit as Thinner went ahead 4-1 to win the opening set.
The sinner faced more resistance in the first eight games of the next set as Gasquet mounted an unlikely comeback attempt, but he broke with a 5-4 lead and quickly closed the match.
Other winners in the men’s bracket on Thursday included No. 3 Alexander Zverev and No. 14 Arthur Phil, with 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic taking a medical timeout to deal with the troublesome toes, but eliminated the Corentin Mutet in three sets.
Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to the report.
