Top seed Jannik Sinner eased past French veteran Richard Gasquet in straight sets on Thursday to move into the third round at the French Open and send his opponent into retirement.
Sinner won 6-3, 6-0, 6-4 in 91 minutes to set up a meeting with Jiri Lehecka.
Before the match, Gasquet admitted that playing the world number one on centre court in his 22nd French Open at the Roland Garros Stadium would be a fitting way to end his career.
The 38-yar-old Gasquet, who was given an invitation into the main draw by the French tennis federation, realised his wish after he defeated Térence Atmane in the first round and Sinner dispatched Arthur Rinderknech.
Sinner's mission was to successfully continue his own quest for a first French Open title and set the fuse for the explosion of tributes to a man tipped nearly 30 years ago to occupy top spot in the tennis world.
The 23-year-old Italian fulfilled the former efficiently and the latter with elegance.
Salute
"Congratulations to you, your team and your family," said Sinner at the start of a 25-minute centre court homage to the former world number seven in which he was presented with a trophy by French tennis federation chief Gilles Moretton and tournament director Amélie Mauresmo.
"It's not possible to make such a career without good people around you," Sinner added.
"You played in an incredible era and we hope that you can come back to the tennis courts as it's nice to have you around. All the best for your new chapter."
At the start of Gasquet's old chapter, he claimed the prestigious Les Petits As international junior tournament in France.
Two years later, aged 15, he won his first match on the ATP Tour at the 2002 Monte Carlo Masters.
Becoming the world's top junior player a year later underlined his potential.
Support
Gasquet first broke into the ATP's top 100 in September 2003 shortly after his 17th birthday and for the best part of two decades he roamed in that sphere.
"I started playing tennis very young in the south of France," said Gasquet to cheers from the centre court crowd.
"And no matter the club where I played, I always had an extraordinary welcome. I would like to thank them all and also the tennis federation for the support."
Gesturing to the stands, he added: "Thank you for your support over the years. I want you to know that my passion for tennis will remain with me for the rest of my life."
During his two decades on the circuit, Gasquet amassed 16 titles and was revered for one of the most aesthetic single-handed backhands but he never reached the projected highs.
Childhood rival Rafael Nadal was among the players who blocked the major honours in Melbourne, Paris, London and New York along with Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic who was among several players who sent video messages.
"Everybody talks about the Gasquet single-handed backhand," said Djokovic. "And I'm sure there are lots of young players who try to copy it.
"There's no better of fitting place for you say goodbye," the Serb added.
