With his son Darius in arms and his wife Sandra Gago on the right, in the middle of the center court of Majorca Country Clubtournament scene in Mallorca, with the stands still full after the match against the German Yannick Hanfmanthe latter part of his career, Feliciano Lopez formally ended his professional career, honored by the tournament organization and the ATP and recognized by the public present.
A video with the best moments of his career opened the space reserved for farewell to Feliciano López, one of the representatives of an unparalleled generation in Spanish tennis. four titles of Davis cupseven singles and six doubles on the ATP circuit, and 81 Grand Slams played -including Roger Federer, full note-. 79 Grand Slams played consecutively (absolute record). Fourth player with the most aces in history with 10,261.
A video message from Rafael Nadal, who came to see him play in his first round match, recalled memorable moments for Spanish tennis and the influence of the player from Toledo. Nadal congratulated López, emphasizing his virtues as a player, his sports career and also the personal influence of a teammate he had been with for many years; very close to him in the circuit.
“You have fulfilled the dream of devoting yourself to what you have dreamed of since you were a child. We have spent unforgettable moments together. Everything you have achieved and maintained for a long time has many merits,” said Nadal.
Later, Feliciano López took the microphone. “This is a moment that I thought would never come. I want to thank the tournament for allowing me to retire in my country, in a special place for me and where I have experienced great things this week. Getting I have incredible memories for treating me and especially this week to all the people who came to support me. Thank you very much”, he affirmed.
“I understood tennis as a show, a way to enjoy, and I tried to do everything I could to make people and fans happy. Thank you for coming today. And thank you to all the coaches I had, every one of them . is part of my history as a player”, recalled Feliciano, who had special thanks for marc lopez.
“I learned a lot from everyone, but a special one is Marc López, apart from being a friend and partner in doubles, he made a huge effort to be here. I always felt close to you and I thank you from bottom of my heart,” said the Spanish tennis player who was touched when his family was named.
“My dad was the crazy guy who started it all when he put a racket in my hands at 5 years old at Christmas. If he didn’t have that passion for tennis, I wouldn’t be here and I want to thank him,” he said. added.
“And finally to the two people with me here. my husband Sandra who gave me the best thing I have Darius. Thank you for everything you have done, your unconditional support, desire to share with me what we have experienced in our travels, the last and the best, thanks to you, what I have achieved in the last years of my career. The best companion, the best friend, the best mother. We have a lot to live for. You taught me to be a better person and I thank you from the bottom of my heart”, Feliciano concluded the track.
Before leaving the court, accompanied by the ATP representative Tony Nadaltournament director, gave a souvenir to the player who finally hung up the racket.
“It was a privilege to enjoy your presence. You are one of the last romantics in tennis and as a fan and friend I wish you the best, I am sure you will have it”, emphasized Toni Nadal who handed Feliciano López the last ball where he played in his career, the last in the quarterfinal match of the Majorca tournament.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
