LISBON/STARNBERG, October 7, 2023
Pedro Sousa has ended his career as a professional tennis player. The 35-year-old Portuguese lost in the second round of the Del Monte Lisboa Belém Open to his compatriot Joao Sousa on Thursday. The ATP Challenger Tour 75 clay-court tournament is being held this week at the CIF-Club Internacional de Foot-Ball in Lisbon.
Pedro Sousa. What a career. pic.twitter.com/Wc1zIdTdv2
— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) October 5, 2023
Pedro Sousa was playing his last match in front of many familiar faces, from friends and family to club members, he knows very well. The former World No. 99 expressed his feelings by saying that he is “relieved” for having closed this chapter. “It was beautiful to be here at CIF and as I wanted, with a holiday, a full house, and against the best Portuguese player ever.”
The Lisbon native captured nine singles titles on the ITF Pro Circuit as well as eight on the ATP Challenger Tour. His last triumph took place on home soil in Maia 2020.
“I knew the importance of this match for Pedro and for the audience, but I tried to ignore all of that and prepare myself in the best way possible. I delivered a very solid performance and played very well. I think Pedro couldn’t find his game, as I played a good match in all aspects,” Joao Sousa said during his post-match press conference.
