Feliciano Lopez, the Spanish tennis legend, was honoured for his incredible career in Turin. The 41-year-old retired in June after a remarkable performance at the Mallorca Championships, where he won two matches at the ATP 250. ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Player Representative Pablo Andujar, and former World No. 5 Rainer Schuettler were among those who paid tribute to Lopez.
In an interview with ATPTour.com, Lopez expressed his pride in his career, stating, “I feel very proud of my career. I think I have achieved much more than I expected when I started playing professionally.” He also thanked everyone who had supported him throughout his 20-year journey and expressed his gratitude for the special presentation in Turin.
Known for his aggressive, net-crashing game, Lopez entertained fans worldwide for over two decades. His powerful serve and fearless playing style earned him a reputation as a formidable opponent. With 766 tour-level wins in singles and doubles, 13 combined titles, and over $18 million in prize money, Lopez has left an indelible mark on the tennis world.
Lopez’s achievements include hitting 10,000 aces, making him one of only five players to achieve this feat according to Infosys ATP Stats. He holds the fourth position on record with 10,261 aces and boasts a remarkable record of 79 consecutive Grand Slam men’s singles main draws, starting with the 2002 Roland Garros.
In 2019, Lopez took on the role of tournament director for the Mutua Madrid Open, an ATP Masters 1000 event. Looking ahead, he expressed his excitement about continuing to work in the tennis world, saying, “I feel also very lucky that I will continue seeing almost everyone because I’m going to be working for Madrid. Hopefully we’re going to see each other again for the next years.” Lopez emphasized that it’s not a goodbye, but rather a “see you later,” as he looks forward to reconnecting with the many people he has met along his journey.
Feliciano Lopez’s remarkable career has left a lasting impact on the tennis community, and his contributions will continue as he embarks on a new chapter in his professional journey.