“I have nothing more to give” – Andujar bids farewell to Barcelona after first round loss

The former world No 32 hopes to end his career at the ATP Challenger in Valencia later this year

Pablo Andujar at the 2022 Generali Open

April 18, 2023

Spain’s Pablo Andujar bid farewell to his fans in Barcelona as the 37-year-old went down in the first round of the Barcelona Open to Tomas Martín Etcheverry in straight sets.

The former world No 32, who has won four ATP singles titles in his career, was defeated 6-2, 7-5 by Etcheverry and later broke down in tears as he said a few words at the end of the match on the court.

“I’ve been coming here since I was little with my tennis club to see the only professional tournament we had near us,” the 2015 Barcelona Open runner-up said. “To me, it’s a dream that the same tournament is paying tribute to me today. I’ve played here 11 times. To me that’s incredible. I can only say thank you, a thousand thank yous, for having invited me and given me this opportunity.”

All the emotions ❤️

Gracias, @AndujarPablo 🙏#BCNOpenBS pic.twitter.com/AwbLMWK6oU
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 17, 2023

Andujar, ranked No 323 in the world, added that he had given everything he has but still hopes to play the ATP Challenger in Valencia in November and would be willing to play a few more events if he gets an invite for the same

“I’m leaving very happy. I’m empty, I have nothing more to give,” he said. “Since last year, my head has been saying ‘stop’, I had other priorities. Above all, when I came back from the injury (in 2018), I made a huge effort and I felt it. I’m quite old, despite the fact that I have older colleagues and they are still playing at a great level. I didn’t think I’d be playing great tennis at 37.”

“Honestly, I want to play my last match at the ATP Challenger in Valencia. That will be the real goodbye. I don’t have a high ranking on the tour, any invitations would be welcome, I’ll keep training, but I now have different priorities. If this is my last match, I’d happily accept it. If they were to give me an invite, it’ll be in places where I’ve had memorable experiences, and Barcelona is one of those places.”