At 38, the former world No. 1 and world squash champion, Frenchman Grégory Gaultier, announced on Friday that he was retiring.
It is a true legend of squash who bowed out. While he will celebrate his 39 years at the end of the year, Grégory Gaultier has decided to say stop. This Friday, he ends a 22-year professional career. “Not only have I had the chance to make a living from my passion, but I have also achieved almost all of my goals, thanks to tireless work since my beginnings. The last three years have been physically and mentally complicated, with this double knee surgery that kept me off the courts for over a year.. I would have liked my career to end differently, nevertheless I am proud to have done everything possible to return to the top, ”said the native of Epinal during a press conference in Mauritius.
Gaultier n ° 1 worldwide for twenty months
Even if the last few years have been delicate, nothing will erase the immense track record of Grégory Gaultier. The Frenchman was notably crowned world champion in 2015, after losing in the final in 2006, 2007, 2011 and 2013. He was also eight times European champion, won three British Open, three US Open, one El Gouna International and a Qatar Classic, which are very prestigious tournaments. And in November 2009 Grégory Gaultier reached the Grail by becoming world No. 1. It was in total for twenty months, over a period of eight years. “Nothing would have been possible without the support of my family and friends, my coaches, my medical staff, the clubs I have played for, my partners and the French Squash Federation. I have discovered many countries, played anthology matches and experienced unique emotions, thanks to the support and energy of the public. If everything had to be redone, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second … I will miss the circuit, but I hope it will continue to grow and I will continue to follow the tournaments closely. One way or another, I will stay involved in this sport which has given me so much, ”concluded the French champion.
