As we proceed our evaluation of the 2023 ATP Tour season, we glance again at among the greatest names who referred to as time on their enjoying careers this yr. Spaniards Feliciano Lopez and Pablo Andujar lead Half 1 of this story, with Individuals 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 knowledgeable. The previous World No. 12 performed his remaining match on dwelling soil on the Mallorca Championships.
“I really feel very pleased with having been in a position to make it via [more than] 20 years as knowledgeable with out lacking one, but additionally of getting left a superb 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 Prime 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 beneath 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 Prime 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
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Photograph: Copa Faulcombridge
Juan Sebastian Cabal/Robert Farah
Even retirement could not separate these lifelong buddies 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 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 exhausting to say goodbye, however every little thing 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 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.
Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah gained 19 ATP Tour titles collectively.” />
Photograph: James Likelihood/Getty Pictures
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 Prime 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 unimaginable moments, challenges, and unforgettable experiences — each on and off the court docket,” Gojowczyk informed ATPTour.com. “I’ll cherish these recollections endlessly.” Learn Gojowczyk Tribute.
Guido Pella
Pella, a former Prime 20 participant, performed his remaining match 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 extra tour-level finals in addition to the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2019.
“It was an unimaginable 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.
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Photograph: Cordoba Open
Pedro Sousa
Portugal’s Sousa put a bow on his skilled profession at his dwelling 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 Prime 100 of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings previously decade.
“I am blissful 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 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 remaining match got here an an ATP Challenger Tour occasion in his dwelling nation in Might, bringing an finish to a 20-year profession that included greater than 100 tour-level wins.
“That is the tip of a profession as a tennis participant and hopefully we’ve a superb profession and success in life after tennis as nicely,” 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.