GUGA GOES

Gustavo Kuerten bid farewell to tennis Sunday in the first round of the French Open, losing 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 to Paul-Henri Mathieu at the site of his biggest triumphs.

The former top-ranked Brazilian won three French Open titles.

"Here, it is my life, my passion and my love," Kuerten said in French. "It's great to have my family here, my coach. But more important was the love you gave me."

The 31-year-old Kuerten has been bothered by a hip injury since 2001. Since having surgery in 2004, he has played in only 19 tournaments and won five matches. This year's French Open was his first appearance in a Grand Slam tournament since the 2005 U.S. Open - and he said beforehand it would be his last event at any level.

"It's incredible how fast it all went," said Kuerten, who won 20 titles during a pro career that began in 1995. In 2000, he became the first South American to finish the year at the top of the ATP rankings.

Kuerten plans to play in the doubles tournament in Paris.