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As we proceed our evaluate of the 2023 ATP Tour season, we glance again at a number of the largest names who referred to as time on their taking part in careers this yr. Spaniards Feliciano Lopez and Pablo Andujar lead Half 1 of this story, with People John Isner and Jack Sock to function in Half 2 tomorrow.
Feliciano Lopez
One of many longest careers within the historical past of the ATP Tour reached its conclusion when Lopez stated goodbye to the circuit at age 41, after 26 seasons as an expert. The previous World No. 12 performed his ultimate match on residence soil on the Mallorca Championships.
“I really feel very pleased with having been capable of make it by means of [more than] 20 years as an expert with out lacking one, but additionally of getting left a great impression on my fellow gamers and on the folks I’ve hung out with,” he stated.
It was a becoming finale on the grass courts of Mallorca, with Lopez’s 87 tour-level wins on the floor essentially the most of any Spaniard. He additionally loved what he referred to as his “finest week” on the ATP Tour on grass, when he was topped champion in each singles and doubles on the Cinch Championships at The Queen’s Membership in 2019. The previous World No. 12 ended 2002-20 within the High 100 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. Learn Lopez Tribute
Pablo Andujar
Andujar additionally closed his profession on Spanish soil, bowing out at an ATP Challenger Tour occasion in Valencia in November. The four-time tour-level champion was despatched off with an emotional tribute after retiring on the age of 37, with greater than 400 tour-level matches underneath his belt.
The Spaniard peaked at No. 32 within the Pepperstone ATP Rankings in 2015, after which he overcame three elbow operations to in the end return to the High 50 in 2019. He’s now a Participant Consultant on the ATP Board of Administrators.
“I used to look at all of the tournaments as a boy and I all the time thought I might compete in them,” he stated. “The truth that I used to be capable of compete in them means my dream got here true.” Learn Andujar Tribute
Pablo Andujar” />
Picture: Copa Faulcombridge
Juan Sebastian Cabal/Robert Farah
Even retirement could not separate these lifelong pals and longtime doubles companions. Cabal (37) and Farah (36) collectively introduced their choice to retire in August, competing on the US Open and incomes a farewell win for Colombia in Davis Cup earlier than signing off.
“We really feel like we’re doing the best factor. It’s a troublesome second,” stated Cabal. “We’ve been taking part in this sport for 30 years, dreaming of life on the high. It’s exhausting to say goodbye, however all the pieces involves an finish, and this can be a good level, we really feel it’s a good second. It’s not due to the outcomes. It’s due to the time for every of us.”
Collectively, the duo received 19 tour-level titles, together with two Grand Slam championships. They grew to become the World No. 1 doubles group in 2019. Learn Cabal/Farah Tribute.
Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah received 19 ATP Tour titles collectively.” />
Picture: James Probability/Getty Photos
Peter Gojowczyk
Gojowczyk closed his 18-year profession in Metz, the place he received his lone tour-level title as a qualifier in 2017.
The 34-year-old German reached the High 40 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings in 2018, when he reached two tour-level finals and notched 23 wins. His largest Grand Slam end result was a fourth-round run as a qualifier on the 2021 US Open, the place he pushed Carlos Alcaraz to a fifth set.
“My time as a tennis professional was full of unbelievable moments, challenges, and unforgettable experiences — each on and off the courtroom,” Gojowczyk advised ATPTour.com. “I’ll cherish these recollections without end.” Learn Gojowczyk Tribute.
Guido Pella
Pella, a former High 20 participant, performed his ultimate match on the US Open — after which he took his total household on a vacation to Disneyland.
The 33-year-old Argentine’s largest triumphs embody profitable the 2016 Davis Cup title along with his nation and the 2019 Sao Paulo singles crown. He reached 4 further tour-level finals in addition to the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2019.
“It was an unbelievable journey, with so many superb issues that allowed me to expertise moments that most individuals can’t and for that I’m eternally grateful,” he wrote on social media. Learn Pella Tribute.
Guido Pella” />
Picture: Cordoba Open
Pedro Sousa
Portugal’s Sousa put a bow on his skilled profession at his residence membership, at an ATP Challenger Tour occasion in Lisbon. The 35-year-old received eight Challenger crowns in his profession and is one among 4 Portuguese males to crack the High 100 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings prior to now decade.
“I am glad and pleased with my profession and haven’t any regrets,” he stated. “Most individuals do not know the struggles we undergo; it is a very robust profession. I’ve made some errors after all, however I am proud of my achievements.” Learn Sousa Tribute.
Malek Jaziri
Jaziri’s career-high Pepperstone ATP Rating of No. 42 is the very best rating ever achieved by a Tunisian. His ultimate match got here an an ATP Challenger Tour occasion in his residence nation in Could, bringing an finish to a 20-year profession that included greater than 100 tour-level wins.
“That is the top of a profession as a tennis participant and hopefully we’ve a great profession and success in life after tennis as nicely,” he stated after being honoured on the Nitto ATP Finals. “Tennis gave me a variety of alternatives and I’m very glad to be a part of the ATP household.” Learn Extra.
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