Spaniard Feliciano Lopez officially called time on his 26-year career Thursday.
Feliciano Lopez retires in Mallorca
Feliciano Lopez announced in January that this would be his last season on the tour. The 41-year-old selected two tournaments to be his farewell tour. Queen’s Club, where Lopez lost in the qualifying and the ATP event in Mallorca. Both tournaments are on grass, which Lopez rates as one of his favorites.
The Spaniard managed to reach the quarterfinal in Mallorca before Yannick Hanfmann spoilt the retirement party by defeating Lopez in straight sets. The 41-year-old didn’t appear too disappointed and had ended his career in his home country, with his family by his side.
The Mallorca quarterfinal gave Lopez the most grass court wins by any Spaniard to date, overtaking Rafael Nadal. Lopez has 87 grass court wins, Nadal has 76. Clearly grass is one of the favorite surfaces for Lopez. Having four titles of his seven career titles on that surface, it’s hardly surprising.
Queen’s Club
Outside of Wimbledon, the grass event held at The Queen’s Club in London, is seen as a very prestigious tournament. Andy Murray regularly plays this tournament as a build up to Wimbledon. The Brit holds the individual record of titles at this event, with five singles and one doubles title. Lopez has two singles and one doubles title there.
In fact, the doubles title is the one that they won together. Murray was playing in his first tournament since hip surgery, and Feliciano Lopez partnered him in the doubles. Together they claimed the doubles title, not long after Lopez had won the singles. A popular win for the pair, and an amazing end to the event that year for the Spaniard, who claimed both titles.
Mallorca was a fitting finale, as it was in his home country, surrounded by his family and on the surface he loves. Although certainly emotional, Lopez ended his career on a very big high. Reaching the quarterfinal of your last tournament is no bad thing. It is the same stage that the Spaniard reached at Wimbledon (three times), the best placing he managed at the All-England Club.
Lopez retiring is a big loss to the tour, but he wouldn’t be able to carry on for ever. The Spaniard has done what most athletes hope they get to do. Retire on their terms.
Although a title would have been an incredible way to bow out, Lopez will be pleased to have made the quarterfinal of his very last event. He can now relax and concentrate on being with his family. Feliciano Lopez, it’s been a joy to have you on the tour. Enjoy your retirement!
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
