As we proceed our assessment of the 2023 ATP Tour season, we glance again at a few of the greatest names who referred to as time on their enjoying careers this yr. Spaniards Feliciano Lopez and Pablo Andujar lead Part 1 of this story, with Americans John Isner and Jack Sock to function in Part 2 tomorrow.
Feliciano Lopez
One of the 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 former World No. 12 performed his last event on house soil on the Mallorca Championships.
“I really feel very happy with having been capable of make it via [more than] 20 years as an expert with out lacking one, but additionally of getting left a superb 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 “best 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 Club in 2019. The former World No. 12 ended 2002-20 within the Top 100 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. Read 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 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 Top 50 in 2019. He is now a Player Representative on the ATP Board of Directors.
“I used to look at all of the tournaments as a boy and I all the time thought I may compete in them,” he stated. “The incontrovertible fact that I used to be capable of compete in them means my dream got here true.” Read Andujar Tribute
Photo: Copa Faulcombridge
Juan Sebastian Cabal/Robert Farah
Even retirement could not separate these lifelong associates 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 appropriate factor. It’s a tough second,” stated Cabal. “We’ve been enjoying this sport for 30 years, dreaming of life on the prime. It’s arduous to say goodbye, however all the things 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.”
Together, 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. Read Cabal/Farah Tribute.
Photo: James Chance/Getty Images
Peter Gojowzcyk
Gojowzcyk 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 Top 40 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings in 2018, when he reached two tour-level finals and notched 23 wins. His greatest Grand Slam outcome 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 endlessly.” Read Gojowczyk Tribute.
Guido Pella
Pella, a former Top 20 participant, performed his last event on the US Open — after which he took his whole household on a vacation to Disneyland.
The 33-year-old Argentine’s greatest triumphs embody profitable the 2016 Davis Cup title together 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 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. Read Pella Tribute.
Photo: Cordoba Open
Pedro Sousa
Portugal’s Sousa put a bow on his skilled profession at his house membership, at an ATP Challenger Tour occasion in Lisbon. The 35-year-old received eight Challenger crowns in his profession and is one in all 4 Portuguese males to crack the Top 100 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings up to now decade.
“I’m comfortable and happy with my profession and haven’t any regrets,” he stated. “Most folks do not know the struggles we undergo; it is a very powerful profession. I’ve made some errors in fact, however I’m proud of my achievements.” Read Sousa Tribute.
Malek Jaziri
Jaziri’s career-high Pepperstone ATP Ranking of No. 42 is the best rating ever achieved by a Tunisian. His last match got here an an ATP Challenger Tour occasion in his house nation in May, bringing an finish to a 20-year profession that included greater than 100 tour-level wins.
“This is the top of a profession as a tennis participant and hopefully we have now a superb profession and success in life after tennis as effectively,” he stated after being honoured on the Nitto ATP Finals. “Tennis gave me loads of alternatives and I’m very glad to be a part of the ATP household.” Read More.
Read all tales in our Best Of 2023 assessment.
Source web site: www.atptour.com
