Feliciano Lopez admits he feels ‘lucky’ to have played against ‘the big three’

Feliciano Lopez has been reflecting on his career as it comes to a close this year, and has spoke of how ‘lucky’ he feels to have played ‘the big three’ on 37 occasions.

Lopez won his first tour match since 2021 this week, against Christopher Eubanks in Acapulco, and spoke to reporters in Mexico about his gratitude to Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, “Those of my generation are lucky.”

He continued, “When I am old, I will be able to say that I was lucky enough to play against Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Not everyone can say that.”

“I feel lucky to have played against the best three in history. They have put tennis at a level that it was not there and that helped us all. It is fair to be grateful to those three teachers.”

Feliciano Lopez head-to-head vs ‘The big three’

Lopez has shown admiration for the three tennis legends despite having won only 13% of his matches against them, and has never beaten the now retired Federer.

Lopez vs Nadal: 4-10

Last meeting (2020) – Nadal beat Lopez, 4-6 7-6(5) 6-4 (Paris Masters)

Lopez vs Djokovic: 1-9

Last meeting (2017) – Djokovic beat Lopez, 6-4 7-5 (Madrid Masters)

Lopez vs Federer: 0-13

Last meeting (2017) – Federer beat Lopez, 6-3 6-3 7-5 (US Open)

As the 41-year-old’s career comes to a close he has spoken about his retirement tour, “Acapulco, Barcelona and Mallorca are confirmed. I have asked for a wildcard for Queen’s. If they give it to me, my last tournament will be there.”

Queen’s is a tournament that Lopez has won twice, in 2017 and 2019, including winning both singles and doubles with Andy Murray in the latter.

Many players struggle with a post-playing career after retiring from tennis, however Lopez is sorted as the tournament director of the Madrid Masters event since 2019.

Despite, having the power to do so the former No.12 has ruled out giving himself a wildcard for the event this year.

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