Jannik Sinner continued his pursuit of a fourth major title at the French Open with a comfortable second-round victory over Richard Gasquet.
Sinner, a favourite for this year’s tournament, cruised to victory in straight sets, beating Gasquet in the final match of the Frenchman’s career.
Court Philippe Chatrier was packed, as French fans filled the stands to bid farewell to their compatriot, who made his ATP Tour debut in 2002.
The Roland Garros crowd have been in full voice for their home hopes at the event so far, which Sinner spoke on in his post-match press conference.
Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty ImagesJannik Sinner gives his verdict on the behaviour of French crowds at Roland Garros
When asked about the controversy over the French crowd at Roland Garros, Sinner replied: “Honestly, I have played two matches now against French players and they have been very respectful. Of course, when you play against French players here, it’s a little bit different, but it’s the same when I play in Italy.
“Of course you have some people who are gonna shout a little bit, but it’s normal.
“I feel like it’s outside of the centre court [Philippe Chatrier] or outside of Suzanne Lenglen, where it’s a little bit more chaotic. I saw some matches there, and it can get very loud in a way.
“But it’s right that the French players have more support here, because we are in Paris. When you play against American players in the US Open, it’s the same, and when you play against Australian players at the Australian Open, even there, it’s normal.
“I really enjoy it. The most important part is to make a good match out of it. That’s why people come; to watch tennis.”
Richard Gasquet is the third player to play his final match against the world number one at a major
In his defeat to Sinner at Stade Roland Garros, Gasquet became the third player to play his final tour-level match against the ATP number one at a Grand Slam.
He follows countrymen Nicolas Devilder and Jeremy Chardy, who retired in 2013 and 2023, respectively.
Gasquet played over 20 years professionally, and has collected 16 titles over the course of his career.
He reached a career high of world number seven, which he attained in July 2007, the same year he made it to his first of three Grand Slam semi-finals at Wimbledon.