As we proceed our evaluation of the 2023 ATP Tour season, we glance again at a few of the largest names who referred to as time on their enjoying careers this 12 months. 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 closing match on residence soil on the Mallorca Championships.
“I really feel very happy with having been in a position to make it by [more than] 20 years as an expert with out lacking one, but additionally of getting left a very good impression on my fellow gamers and on the folks I’ve frolicked 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
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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 below 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 at all times thought I might compete in them,” he stated. “The truth that I used to be in a position to compete in them means my dream got here true.” Learn Andujar Tribute
Photograph: Copa Faulcombridge
Juan Sebastian Cabal/Robert Farah
Even retirement could not separate these lifelong mates and longtime doubles companions. Cabal (37) and Farah (36) collectively introduced their determination 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 fitting factor. It’s a troublesome second,” stated Cabal. “We’ve been enjoying this sport for 30 years, dreaming of life on the high. It’s onerous to say goodbye, however the whole lot involves an finish, and it is 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 gained 19 tour-level titles, together with two Grand Slam championships. They grew to become the World No. 1 doubles workforce in 2019. Learn Cabal/Farah Tribute.
Photograph: James Likelihood/Getty Photographs
Peter Gojowczyk
Gojowczyk closed his 18-year profession in Metz, the place he gained 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 consequence 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 crammed with unbelievable moments, challenges, and unforgettable experiences — each on and off the courtroom,” Gojowczyk advised ATPTour.com. “I’ll cherish these recollections perpetually.” Learn Gojowczyk Tribute.
Guido Pella
Pella, a former High 20 participant, performed his closing match on the US Open — after which he took his complete household on a vacation to Disneyland.
The 33-year-old Argentine’s largest triumphs embody profitable the 2016 Davis Cup title together with his nation and the 2019 Sao Paulo singles crown. He reached 4 extra tour-level finals in addition to the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2019.
“It was an unbelievable journey, with so many wonderful 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.
Photograph: 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 gained eight Challenger crowns in his profession and is one among 4 Portuguese males to crack the High 100 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings previously decade.
“I am blissful and happy with my profession and don’t have any regrets,” he stated. “Most individuals do not know the struggles we undergo; it is a very powerful profession. I’ve made some errors after all, however I am pleased with my achievements.” Learn Sousa Tribute.
Malek Jaziri
Jaziri’s career-high Pepperstone ATP Rating of No. 42 is the best rating ever achieved by a Tunisian. His closing 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 now we have a very good profession and success in life after tennis as effectively,” he stated after being honoured on the Nitto ATP Finals. “Tennis gave me numerous alternatives and I’m very glad to be a part of the ATP household.” Learn Extra.
Learn all tales in our Greatest Of 2023 evaluation.
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