The French tennis Federation (FFT) is facing scrutiny after all of their player’s failed to reach the last 32 of the French Open for the first time in the Open Era.
A total of 28 players featured in the main draw this year with 17 of those participating in the men’s tournament. On Tuesday evening Richard Gasquet was the last French player standing in the tournament before being knocked out in straight sets by 13-time champion Rafael Nadal. Earlier in the day Gael Monfils, who was the 14th seed, crashed out to Mikhail Ymer.
“It’s the end of an era,” Gasquet commented on the state of tennis in his country. “I’m 35. Tsonga is 36, Simon is 37, and Gael is 35. So it’s normal. We are still there. It’s incredible for us to play Roland Garros.’
“Of course we are a great generation. I hope it will be the same for the French future. Now it’s a little bit difficult, but we have to see who’s coming and I hope many players will come in the future.”
While there is disappointment in Roland Garros for home fans, the country currently has more than 10% of players in the top 100 on the ATP Tour. Although out of the 11 in the top 100, only three are under the age of 30 – Ugo Humbert (22), Corentin Moutet (22) and Lucas Pouille (27).
“Five years ago, it was said that French training was the best in the world. Everyone envied us for the training. We said the French, it’s fabulous, they have 15 players in the 100. As soon as it is more difficult today, we say that everything must be changed,” Gasquet said in response to the criticism.
As for the women, four made it through to the second round this year. 13th seed Ferro lost in three sets to Jenifer Brady and Mladenovic, who later said she was feeling unwell during her match, lost to Anett Kontaveit. Meanwhile, Garcia fell to Polona Hercog and wildcard Harmony Tan lost to Markéta Vondroušová.
Compared to the men, France has only four players in the top 100 on the WTA Tour but none of those are in the top 50.
“I did not expect that there would be no more French in the second round, to be honest,” said Ferrero.
“You have to ask yourself the right questions. Afterwards, it’s hard to make a statement like that (about French tennis), especially afterwards a defeat on my part. Me, I know that we will have to go back to work to be better and do better.”
Thierry Van Cleemput is a former coach who has previously worked with David Goffin on the Tour. During an interview with Lesoir Sports, the Belgian believes French Tennis will regain its momentum in no time as he makes reference to a series of promising junior players.
“Believing that French tennis is dead is not knowing the case,” he said. “I see a Federation that has opted for the return of former champions, men of experience, in key positions such as Gilles Moretton, Paul-Henri Mathieu or Nicolas Escudé, to name a few. I see junior tournaments where there are very good little French players. So for me, French tennis is like the Phoenix, it will be reborn from its ashes.”
The last time the French Open singles title was won by a home player was back in 2000 when Mary Pierce claimed the women’s trophy.
