MADRID/STARNBERG, October 30, 2026
Roberto Bautista Agut made a brief return to competitive tennis this week to represent Club de Tenis Valencia at the 56th Generali Spanish Men’s Team Championships, held at Club de Tenis Chamartin in Madrid. Wednesday marked a special occasion for the Spaniard, as he played the final official match of his professional career.
The former world No. 9 defeated Juan Samuel Arauzo 6-2, 6-2, earning one of the decisive points that secured his club’s place in the top division of Spanish team tennis.
A winner of 12 ATP Tour titles and a member of Spain’s victorious 2019 Davis Cup team, Bautista confirmed that he will only return to the court once more, for an exhibition match in his hometown of Castellón on November 19, where he will bid farewell to tennis alongside his family and friends.
“Retiring from tennis is never easy”
In an interview with the Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET), the 38-year-old reflected on the emotions of stepping off the court for the final time.
“I feel that it has been many years, many hours and practically an entire lifetime dedicated to tennis. I am very happy with how things have turned out, and extremely grateful for everything tennis has given me. The truth is that I feel very privileged,” he said.
Bautista admitted that walking away from the sport is never straightforward, particularly after dedicating so much of his life to it.
“Leaving something you have done your entire life, and something you have fortunately been very good at, is never easy. But I have been able to retire after playing the biggest tournaments, including Wimbledon, which has always been one of my favourite events. I have enjoyed a very long career and been able to retire at the age of 38. I think I can be very proud of that.”
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“The Spanish Championships have always been special”
His brief comeback, during which he played two matches, came almost four months after he initially put his racket away following the Copa del Rey in Huelva.
Bautista explained that the decision to return for the Spanish Team Championships was motivated by his connection with Club de Tenis Valencia and its captain, former professional player Daniel Gimeno Traver.
“I decided to come here and play the Spanish Championships because Dani Gimeno is the captain of Club de Tenis Valencia. He asked me if I could come and help the team, and being alongside him on the bench made it a special way to finish. It was also an opportunity to remember this tournament, which I hadn’t played in for many years and where I experienced some very special moments. There was also the nostalgia of knowing that this would be my last appearance.”
The tournament has accompanied him through different stages of his career, making this final appearance particularly meaningful.
“The Spanish Championships have always been special. You usually start out as the team’s ball boy or sparring partner, then you might play at number six. You tell yourself that if you improve, or perhaps have a good career, you might eventually finish playing at number one for the team. When you come to this tournament as a youngster, you get to watch your idols and people you admire playing in front of you. That is what makes it so special.”
“I’ve really enjoyed not having to get on planes”
Since stepping away from professional tennis, Bautista has relished spending more time with his family and enjoying a slower pace of life.
“I’ve really enjoyed not having to get on planes, not travelling and being able to spend time with my family. I’ve had a little more time to enjoy a quieter life and pursue my hobbies, such as playing football and padel, going mountain biking and spending time with horses. I’ve enjoyed doing a bit of everything.”
Although his playing career has come to an end, the Spaniard has not ruled out remaining involved in tennis in the future, potentially in a coaching capacity.
“Yes, I think so. For now, I want to take things easy, enjoy my children and embrace this new chapter of my life. I’m sure that further down the road, if an exciting and interesting project comes along, I will return to tennis, but as a coach.”
To conclude the interview, Bautista had a heartfelt message for Spanish tennis fans, who have supported him throughout his career.
“It has been a pleasure to feel your support. I truly feel very loved in this sport. I have experienced the affection and respect of people throughout all these years. I hope this is not goodbye forever, but rather see you again.”
