MADRID/WASHINGTON, April 23, 2026 (by Michael Dickens)
Roberto Bautista Agut competed in his final Mutua Madrid Open Wednesday afternoon. While the 38-year-old Spaniard from Castellon de la Plana did not win, he walked off the red clay surface of Manolo Santana Stadium one last time with his head held high and his family by his side after playing his final singles match on home soil.
It was an emotional moment for Bautista Agut, as well as for his wife, Ana, and his two sons, Roberto and Lucas, and for his many fans, too, on opening day at the ATP Masters 1000 event in the Spanish capital city.
Bautista recently announced that he will retire from pro tennis at the end of the ATP Tour season. So, it was a nice gesture to reward Bautista Agut with one final match on the biggest show court at Caja Magica.
The 93rd-ranked Bautista Agut, who lost his first-round match to No. 75 Thiago Agustin Tirante of Argentina, 6-2, 6-4, in one hour and 17 minutes, was honored in an on-court ceremony by Feliciano Lopez and Garbiñe Muguruza, the Madrid Open tournament directors, who presented him with a commemorative plaque.
Qué gran carrera @BautistaAgut bids farewell to the #MMOpen pic.twitter.com/NObJIWY9G5
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 22, 2026
The outcome of the first-round was never really in doubt, as the 25-year-old Tirante faced no break points on his serve, converted three break points in four opportunities and outpointed Bautista Agut 57-38. The Spanish veteran managed just five winners while making 17 unforced errors, compared to 23 winners by Tirante against just 16 unforced errors.
Still, the fans who filled Caja Magica’s Manolo Santana Stadium gave Bautista Agut a standing ovation at the conclusion of the match in honor of one of their favorites.
Throughout Bautista Agut’s career, in which he’s compiled a lifetime win-loss record 435-298 on the ATP Tour, he’s always shown plenty of respect for the game. It’s seen in the way he conducts himself on the tennis court and, despite missing half a year while recovering from a leg injury, his heart and commitment toward the sport has never wavered.
@BautistaAgut, semifinalista en 2014, disputó este miércoles el último de los 26 partidos que ha jugado a lo largo de su carrera en el #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/RHrAwsAVzt
— #MMOPEN (@MutuaMadridOpen) April 22, 2026
Speaking in Spanish during a brief address to his fans, the former World No. 9 Bautista Agut, who made 12 straight main-draw appearances in the Madrid Open, spoke in heartfelt tones.
“When we are young, we dream of having a tennis career and playing in these tournaments,” Bautista Agut said, after finishing his Madrid Open career 14-12, including a semifinal run in 2014 in his first visit to the main draw.
“My dream came true; I have played in the best tournaments in the world. I won the Davis Cup with Feli and my teammates. I have achieved many things, but what I cherish most is everything tennis has given me, the values this sport has taught me out of necessity.
“These are moments you don’t really consider while you’re still a player. When you decide it’s time, you start to get used to the idea. There were a lot of emotions on the court today; it wasn’t an easy match to play. This year I wanted to compete as a local and do well. It’s hard to believe, but even at 38, the nerves never go away. It was amazing, I enjoyed a beautiful farewell with my family and team on court.”
“He cumplido mi sueño”.
@BautistaAgut vivió una despedida repleta de emociones en el Estadio Manolo Santana. #MMOPEN https://t.co/DmA4xYTzIG pic.twitter.com/P2c5qgVGtw
— #MMOPEN (@MutuaMadridOpen) April 22, 2026
Looking ahead, Bautista Agut, who first played tennis at age 5 and turned pro in 2005, plans to play next month at the ATP Masters 1000 in Rome and at Roland-Garros, both on clay. “Last year, after the injury I picked up at the US Open, I was out for six months without earning points. I still have a good ranking, but I need to play now if I want to keep extending my year,” he said.
Why retire now? Bautista Agut was asked by reporters. He answered: “It’s a tough decision. I spoke first with my wife, who always supports me. After suffering the most serious injury of my career, nearly six months out, in February I couldn’t see a solution. I didn’t feel good on court.
“After Indian Wells I felt a bit better, I competed without limping. The injury has worn me down a lot; it’s drained a lot of my energy. I tried to come back but couldn’t. I’ve been doing this for many years, so I thought it was a good time to go, because I’m still at a good level and physically fit enough to have a full year with good matches.”
Con la ilusión del primer día @BautistaAgut | @ATPTour_ES | #MMOPEN
https://t.co/WAUlCMtosT pic.twitter.com/ppfBwgnNji
— #MMOPEN (@MutuaMadridOpen) April 22, 2026
By the numbers
Roberto Bautista Agut failed to win his opening-round match at the Madrid Open for the first time after winning five-straight first-round matches in Madrid. He’s 0-3 on clay in 2026 after suffering first-round losses in Bucharest, Monte-Carlos and Madrid.
“Quotable …”
“Here in Madrid, I have had very special moments as an athlete, I am very grateful to the tournament. The semifinal I reached in Madrid in 2014 was the result that catapulted me up the rankings. I broke into the Top 15, it was a turning point in my career. Perhaps my most emotional moment as a tennis player was the Davis Cup final in the Caja Magica. I have fond memories of those times. This court is very special to me.”
– Roberto Baustista Agut, 38, following his final Madrid Open appearance on Wednesday after losing his first-round match in straight sets to Thiago Agustin Tirante of Argentina.
