Alizé Cornet retires from tennis after French Open loss to Zheng Qinwen in the first round
PARIS (AP) — Alizé Cornet was given a standing ovation and a farewell trophy after playing the final match of her long tennis career, a 6-2, 6-1 loss to No. 7 seed Zheng Qinwen in the first round of the French Open on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old Cornet is a Frenchwoman who was given a wild-card entry into the tournament. She had announced ahead of time that this would be her last event before retirement.
French tennis federation president Gilles Moretton and tournament director Amélie Mauresmo participated in a ceremony after the match at Court Philippe Chatrier.
In an emotional speech, Cornet thanked her family and French fans, expressing her gratitude for their support over the years.
“You gave me incredible emotions. It’s tough to realize that it’s the last time I’m feeling this,” she said.
A video tribute highlighting her career, which began in 2005, was shown on the giant screens.