For Alizé Cornet, the Philippe Chatrier court at Roland-Garros marked the end of a remarkable tennis career on Tuesday. The 34-year-old Niçoise, invited for one last Grand Slam appearance, faced Qinwen Zheng (seeded No. 7) in what turned out to be an emotional match. Despite fighting hard and saving three match points, Cornet succumbed to a 6-2, 6-1 defeat. This match was the culmination of her tenure in tennis, tallying up 72 appearances in Grand Slam tournaments, including an extraordinary streak of 69 consecutive outings—a women's tennis record only surpassed by legends Venus and Serena Williams.
Cornet's career at Roland-Garros witnessed numerous highs and lows, but the final game encapsulated the resilience and tenacity she is known for. As the crowd and her loved ones watched, she managed her emotions impeccably until the final point. Post-match, she received heartfelt acknowledgements from Amélie Mauresmo, the tournament director, and Gilles Moretton, president of the French Tennis Federation.
Reflecting on the finale, Cornet shared her feelings candidly in a press conference. She spoke about the emotional toll and the realization that her tennis chapter had ended. 'The last few weeks have been intense, but the last 24 hours were rather peaceful,' she admitted. Interestingly, she spent the night before her last match dreaming of Rafael Nadal, hinting at the profound impact tennis has had on her psyche.
Cornet's dedication to the sport has been unwavering for the last two decades. She revealed that despite knowing about her impending retirement, the reality only hit her during the warm-up as she prepared for the final match. 'I managed the match until the end emotionally,' she confessed, emphasizing her focus and determination not to let her emotions show until the very last moment.
As she embarks on a new journey beyond tennis, Cornet conveyed a mix of contentment and apprehension. 'The reconversion is ready, but the pace of life will no longer be the same. It is a psychological work to find a rhythm and give meaning to your life after being on a mission for twenty years,' she shared. Nonetheless, she expressed optimism about her future, highlighting her vast resources and ability to find happiness. While her professional playing days are behind her, Cornet hinted that she would continue to play tennis for the sheer love of the game.
- Alizé Cornet exited Roland-Garros after a heartfelt speech and a press conference filled with laughter and tears. She reminisced about an unusual dream she had the night before her final match, where Rafael Nadal offered her a three-set match in Strasbourg, a scenario both improbable and comforting.
- Her final game was not just about competing but also a balancing act between her desire to savor her last moments and her competitive spirit aimed at winning against a top player like Qinwen Zheng. She disclosed that during the warm-up, the thought of it potentially being her last match dawned on her, but she remained focused until the end.
- Cornet has been preparing for this transition for months, ever since she decided to retire after this year's Roland-Garros. Although she acknowledges the void her retirement will leave, she also sees this as an opportunity for new beginnings and finds solace in the sense of accomplishment and peace she feels now.
