Feliciano Lopez admits he is ‘sad’ over impending retirement date

Evergreen Feliciano Lopez admits he is ‘a bit sad’ knowing he will be retiring soon, but he says ultimately he has to yield to time.

Lopez is 41-years-old now and has been a fixture on the ATP Tour for more than two decades.

He has already announced that this season will be his last as a player, and he proved he still has a little left in the tank after beating Christopher Eubanks in Acapulco.

However, the former world number 12 knows that his time on tour is now coming to an end.

“Since I decided this is going to be my last year on Tour, it’s been a little bit difficult because it’s something that you don’t want to do, because I love what I do,” Feliciano Lopez said.

“I have a passion for tennis. Even though I know this is my last year, I wish I could continue playing and it’s a little bit sad. But on the other hand, I have to do it because I’m 41 years old and this is not going to be forever; I understand.”

The win over Eubanks was Lopez’s first competitive match for more than five months and his first win since July 2021.

It came more as a relief to him than anything else, though.

“It’s been a while since I won my last ATP match,” Lopez said. “To be honest, I had this in mind because last year was difficult for me.

41. NOT DONE 😍@feliciano_lopez earns his first ATP win since July 2021, defeating Chris Eubanks 7-6 6-4. #AMT2023 pic.twitter.com/5iirDhULzl

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 28, 2023

“I couldn’t win any matches on Tour, even though I played only a few tournaments. But still it’s something that I had in mind and it was kind of a relief moment when I finally won my match.

“I knew this was going to be very challenging and very difficult. That’s why I was preparing myself to be ready here in Acapulco. I think considering all the circumstances and all the challenges that I’ve faced in the last year I think I played great tennis overall.

“The match was great, I was feeling great physically and of course my tennis has some room to improve but I think the level overall was very decent.”

Lopez was unable to sustain his run in Acapulco and lost in the next round to Frances Tiafoe, but he appears determined to enjoy his tennis for as long as he possible can.

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