![]() “There was a tremendous connection with the crowd, there were points when I hit good shots and even I was smiling. On the Rafa Nadal Court, certainly enjoyed the support of the fans. Whatever happens, having wiped away the tears, Andújar will leave Barcelona smiling from ear to ear. If playing against him was a dream, then beating him was a double dream.” “Above all, because it was towards the end and I’d never played against him. “Choosing one match is very difficult, but the one with Federer is undoubtedly a huge moment in my career,” said the Spaniard looking back. Not only was it a chance to be on the opposite side of the net to the Swiss legend, he also ended up winning the match 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. It was in the last sixteen in Geneva in 2021, when he faced Roger Federer for the first time. One of those memorable moments came not too long ago in Geneva. If they were to give me an invite, it’ll be in places where I’ve had memorable experiences, and Barcelona is one of those places.” If this is my last match, I’d happily accept it. “I don’t have a high ranking on the tour, any invitations would be welcome, I’ll keep training, but I now have different priorities. That will be the real goodbye,” he announced. “Honestly, I want to play my last match at the ATP Challenger in Valencia. As well as at his last ATP Tour match, he will be saying goodbye at home, in the ATP Challenger Tour event that takes place in Valencia in November. This is what has led him to hang up his racquet this season. I didn’t think I’d be playing great tennis at 37.” I’m quite old, despite the fact that I have older colleagues and they are still playing at a great level. Above all, when I came back from the injury, I made a huge effort and I felt it. “Since last year, my head has been saying ‘stop’, I had other priorities. I’m empty, I have nothing more to give,” admitted the Cuenca native who now calls Valencia home. ![]() He reached a further five finals and peaked at No. ![]() I can only say thank you, a thousand thank yous, for having invited me and given me this opportunity.”Īndújar claimed four ATP Tour titles in Casablanca in 20, Gstaad in 2014, and Marrakech in 2018. “To me, it’s a dream that the same tournament is paying tribute to me today. “I’ve been coming here since I was little with my tennis club to see the only professional tournament we had near us,” the finalist in Barcelona in 2015 told the crowd. However, his uncertainty about receiving wildcards before the season is out meant he was sure to savour every moment of his encounter with Tomás Martín Etcheverry as if it were his last, even though he lost 6-2, 7-5. The Spaniard is still not completely sure if he said his final farewell to the ATP Tour on Monday 17 April, with 405 matches under his belt. Her husband, Pablo Andújar, is trying not to let the moment get to him, wiping away the tears during an emotional goodbye at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, where he has just hit some of the last shots of his career. The youngest of the family, Gabriela, is curled up in her mother’s arms. Pablo, Carlos and Álex are scampering around their father’s feet. Editor's note: This story was first published on /es
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