Former top 20 player Feliciano Lopez has indicated that he may retire from the sport in 2020 depending on how he fairs on the tour this season.
The 37-year-old is currently the third oldest player in the top 100 after Ivo Karlovic (40) and Roger Federer (37). In recent months, speculation has mounted about Lopez’s future in the sport following his appointment as tournament director of the Madrid Open. Spain’s most prestigious tennis event.
Despite his role at the Madrid Open, the former world No.12 admits that he hasn’t outlined a retirement date yet. He is currently ranked 93rd in the world after what has been a mixed start to the season. Lopez has won five out of 10 matches played so far in 2019 with his best run being to the quarter-finals of a Challenger event in Monterey, Mexico.
“The truth is that I have not thought about it,” he commented about retirement. “This year, my intention is to play all the calendar I had planned and we’ll see how things finish at the end of the year, if everything goes well and I have a ranking that allows me to play the Grand Slams and the most important tournaments, I’ll probably play one more year.”
During his career, Lopez has been ranked in the world’s top 20 for both singles and doubles. He won his most prestigious title back in 2017 at The Queen’s Club. Overall, he has six singles and four doubles titles to his name. Lopez has also played in a record 68 consecutive grand slam tournaments.
The next challenge for the Spaniard will be at the Barcelona Open this week. It was at the tournament where he made his ATP Tour debut back in 1998. This year will be his 19th appearance in Barcelona. Lopez is one of only six players in the Open Era to make 19 or more appearances at the same event on the ATP Tour.
“This club and this city have been my home for many years and to play here is special for me,” he said. “Without a doubt, this is one of my favourite tournaments”
In the first round Lopez will take on compatriot Fernando Verdasco. A player whom he won his first doubles title with back in 2004 at the Swedish Open. It will be the 11th meeting between the two with their head-to-head currently tied at 5-5.
