“It’s A Shame”: Feliciano Lopez Opens Up on Not Being Able To Play Mutua Madrid Open

Published 11/27/2020, 9:30 AM EST

Spain’s Feliciano Lopez is a rare specimen in professional tennis, being both a player and a tournament director. But, when he took the commandership in Madrid, Lopez lost his chance to participate at the event. Given the situation, the 39-year-old talked about his dilemma in brief.

Lopez was a part of Spain’s 5 of the 6 Davis Cup winning teams. He also has a 2016 French Open doubles title with Marc Lopez.

Although he carries the record number of losses on the ATP Tour, he maintains a strong game even today. However, despite his unrelenting desire, the Spaniard cannot play in his hometown event.

Article continues below this ad

“I didn’t want to fight it”: Feliciano Lopez

It is since last year that the Spaniard is the tournament director of the Mutua Madrid Open. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus outbreak, the event got canceled this year. On whether he asked for permission to play next season, he denied, “I’ve never asked.”

“From the first moment, I didn’t want to fight it. I asked about the example of Tommy Haas. I think he asked permission to play at Indian Wells and they said no,” explained Lopez.

The ATP has been stricter than any other sport organization in terms of keeping with rules and regulations. It directly corresponds with the royal heritage that is aligned with the game.

“It is the tournament that I most want to play”: Lopez

Article continues below this ad

Playing on a red clay court in Madrid gives a Spanish player more happiness than anywhere else in the world. Considering his age and the opportunities to play, Lopez might never play professionally on the Madrid court.

“It’s a shame because, at this point in my career, it is the tournament that I most want to play. Since I took on working as a director, I already knew that I couldn’t play it. I’ve gotten used to the idea and it’s something I don’t even want to think about anymore,” Feliciano concluded.

Article continues below this ad

Feliciano surpassed Roger Federer at the 2018 Wimbledon Championships for most consecutive main-draw appearances. Currently at 74, the Toledo-born will want to make most of his remaining career as a player. But, painfully, he cannot play on his home turf as long as he remains its director.

Feliciano Lopez Reveals the Impact of Rafael Nadal Playing the Mutua Madrid Open

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Purav Joshi is a Tennis author at EssentiallySports. Having a degree in Films, Television and Media Production, he guided his passion for writing and journalism into the sport of aces and rallies. With over 2 years of experience as a copywriter, Purav has authored over 500 tennis articles.

“It’s A Shame”: Feliciano Lopez Opens Up on Not Being Able To Play Mutua Madrid Open

“I didn’t want to fight it”: Feliciano Lopez

Trending

Roger Federer Breaks Partnership With Billion Dollar Worth Italian Brand Days After Coco Gauff’s Stunning Commercial Appearance

Andy Roddick Hat Tips Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian with Ultimate Praise for Women’s Sports’ Skyrocketing Success

Stuttgart Open 2024: Emma Raducanu vs Linda Noskova; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

Tennis News: Rafael Nadal Confirms Retirement ; Doping-Banned Mikael Ymer Announces Comeback; Stefanos Tsitsipas Dubbed as Hypocrite

Who Is Elise Mertens’ Tennis Playing Boyfriend? All You Need To Know About the 30-YO Hearthrob in Her Box

“It is the tournament that I most want to play”: Lopez