By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday March 1, 2023
Feliciano Lopez is making his last go of being a professional tennis player in 2023, and he’s hit the ground running.
The 41-year-old defeated Chris Eubanks for his first tour-level win since July of 2021 in Acapulco (saving four set points in the first set) and was bidding to become the oldest quarterfinalist on the ATP Tour since 1995 on Wednesday against Frances Tiafoe.
He lost 6-2, 7-6(6), but held his own against the 15th-ranked American, winning 27 of 33 first-serve points and nearly forcing a third set.
Feliciano López jugó su último partido. 🥲
El español cayó en dos sets ante Frances Tiafoe 6-2, 7-6#CelebratingTennis30 pic.twitter.com/wgBV2cTwWB
— Abierto Mexicano (@AbiertoTelcel) March 2, 2023
Lopez, who has already taken wild cards into Barcelona and Mallorca this season, hopes to also play Queen’s Club, where he is a two-time champion.
The former World No.12, who holds the all-time record for consecutive Grand Slam appearances at 79, owns 5-4 career wins.
“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,” Lopez told ATPTour.com in Acapulco. “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 seven-time ATP titlist, currently ranked 1035, is currently the tournament director at the Madrid Open. He will turn 42 on September 20. He owns 39 Top-10 wins, including triumphs over No.1 Nadal and No.1 Djokovic.
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