As we proceed our overview of the 2023 ATP Tour season, we glance again at a number 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 characteristic 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 closing event on residence soil on the Mallorca Championships.
“I really feel very happy with having been in a position to make it by means of [more than] 20 years as an expert with out lacking one, but in addition of getting left a superb impression on my fellow gamers and on the individuals 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 probably 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 below his belt.
The Spaniard peaked at No. 32 within the Pepperstone ATP Rankings in 2015, after which he overcame three elbow operations to finally return to the Top 50 in 2019. He is now a Player Representative on the ATP Board of Directors.
“I used to observe all of the tournaments as a boy and I at all times thought I might compete in them,” he stated. “The proven fact that I used to be in a position to 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 pals and longtime doubles companions. Cabal (37) and Farah (36) collectively introduced their resolution 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 proper factor. It’s a troublesome 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 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.”
Together, the duo gained 19 tour-level titles, together with two Grand Slam championships. They turned the World No. 1 doubles crew in 2019. Read Cabal/Farah Tribute.
Photo: James Chance/Getty Images
Peter Gojowzcyk
Gojowzcyk 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 Top 40 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings in 2018, when he reached two tour-level finals and notched 23 wins. His greatest 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 court docket,” Gojowczyk informed ATPTour.com. “I’ll cherish these reminiscences perpetually.” Read Gojowczyk Tribute.
Guido Pella
Pella, a former Top 20 participant, performed his closing event on the US Open — after which he took his total household on a vacation to Disneyland.
The 33-year-old Argentine’s greatest triumphs embody successful 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. Read Pella Tribute.
Photo: 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 certainly one of 4 Portuguese males to crack the Top 100 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings previously decade.
“I’m pleased 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 robust profession. I’ve made some errors after all, however I’m pleased with my achievements.” Read Sousa Tribute.
Malek Jaziri
Jaziri’s career-high Pepperstone ATP Ranking of No. 42 is the very best rating ever achieved by a Tunisian. His closing match got here an an ATP Challenger Tour occasion in his residence 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’ve got a superb profession and success in life after tennis as properly,” 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 overview.
Source: www.atptour.com