HONG KONG (CNN) -- He's a three-time former champion and darling of the Roland Garros crowd, but this week Gustavo "Guga" Kuerten took to the clay in Paris for the final time. Tennis great Gustavo Kuerten will retire after his appearance at this year's French Open. He won the French Open as a virtual unknown in 1997, repeating his triumph in 2000 and 2001. The former world number one has suffered injuries and heartache during his 13-year career on the tour, and will be hanging up his racket after this event. Prior to going out in the first round to Paul-Henri Mathieu he told CNN about his Parisian love affair.
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Gustavo Kuerten plans to retire after his appearance at Roland Garros
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He has won the event three times over his 13-year career
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On the Open: "For me it is the most important tournament in the world"
I arrived in Paris, and like every year I immediately went to @placeholder and practiced on center court.
I think it is a combination of it being in @placeholder, being played on clay, the people and the courts.