By
The 37-year-old Spaniard was in tears for Pablo Andujar and his fans when he announced his retirement from tennis after losing in the Barcelona Open 64.
The Spaniard has said he is considering retiring from tennis and may play some of his last matches at the Barcelona Open Banque Sabadell.
Andujar enjoyed his entire match against Thomas Martin Etcheverry in the round of 64. Although the Spaniard lost 6-2, 7-5, he was happy to have played such a memorable match. Competition.
The 37-year-old told the crowd: «I’ve been coming here since I was a kid with the tennis club to watch the only professional tournament near us.
“For me, it is a dream that this tournament is giving me honor today. I have played here 11 times. To me this is unbelievable. Thank you for inviting me and giving me this opportunity, I can say thank you a thousand.
The Spanish star began his professional career in 2003 at the age of 17 and has won four ATP Tour titles in his career. His first title was at the 2011 Casablanca Open where he defeated Potito Staras 6-1, 6-2. He then defended his title at the 2012 Casablanca Open, defeating Albert Ramos-Vinolas 1-6, 6-7 (5-7) to retain his crown.
Juan then had to wait until 2014 for his next major breakthrough, winning the ATP Gstaad tournament with a 3-6, 5-7 victory over Monaco. The last trophy of his career
“I am leaving very happy. I’m empty, I have nothing to give,» the Spaniard said after losing the Barcelona Open.
“Since last year, my head was saying ‘give it up’, I had other priorities. After all, when I come back from the injury [in 2018], I made a great effort and felt. I am very old, although I have older colleagues who are still playing at a good level. I never thought I would be playing great tennis at the age of 37.
However, the Spaniard has made it clear that he wants to compete at the ATP Challenger Tour in Valencia for his final tennis farewell.
“Actually, I want to play my last match at the ATP Challenger in Valencia. That will be the real goodbye,» Andujar declared.
“I don’t have a high ranking on the tour, I get invitations, I continue to train, but now I have different priorities. If this is my last match, I’ll gladly accept it. «If they give me an invitation, it will be in places where I have had unforgettable experiences and Barcelona is one of those places.»
Andujar’s next steps will keep him still involved in tennis as he is connected to the ATP. Moreover, the Spaniard was a member of the ATP Player Advisory Council in 2021 and 2022. However, this year he will be one of four player representatives on the expanded ATP Board.
Read more: Watch: Denis Shapovalov practice ahead of 2023 Barcelona Open
If you want to catch some more tennis fun or live updates, See more ATP content here.
