ESTORIL/STARNBERG, April 3, 2024

Joao Sousa was honored by the organizers of the Millennium Estoril Open after ending his singles career following a first-round defeat against Frenchman Arthur Fils on Wednesday. The tribute to the 35-year-old Portuguese, which was attended by his family and coach Frederico Marques, began with a video showcasing Sousa’s best moments in the ATP 250 tournament, with special emphasis on when he lifted the trophy on home soil in 2018.

Emotional 🥺

Thanks for everything Joao Sousa ❤️#EstorilOpen pic.twitter.com/dOyD0bTfwG

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 3, 2024

When given the opportunity to speak on court, the Guimaraes native began by thanking the support of Portuguese fans and then his family.

“There are many emotions running high after so many years dedicated to tennis, my passion. I couldn’t have chosen a better stage to end my career, on a court so special to me and always with this incredible support. None of my results would have made sense without this support that I’ve had every year, it’s been fantastic,” Sousa said.

“I want to thank especially for being by my side in good and bad times. These people here are the most important in my life. Without them, nothing would have been possible, all the effort they made over all these years for me to achieve my dream and become a professional tennis player. Thank you very much.”

Sousa captured four titles on the ATP Tour as well as five trophies on the Challenger Circuit and reached a career-high ranking of World No. 28 in May 2016.