The seasoned Spaniard Feliciano Lopez extended his career for at least one more day with an emotional victory at the Mallorca Open tennis tournament on Tuesday, which will be the last in his 26-year journey. The 41-year-old player received encouragement from his friend and fellow countryman Rafael Nadal, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, during his win against Max Purcell with a score of 6-3, 7-5.
Lopez, who reached a career-high ranking of 12 worldwide and holds the record for 79 consecutive appearances in Grand Slam main draws, will face Australian Jordan Thompson on Wednesday.
After the match, Lopez, who has achieved over 500 wins in singles on the ATP Tour, said in an on-court interview: "This victory has a special flavor. It might be one of the most precious wins of my career so far."
He added: "This exceeded my expectations. Winning a match at this stage of my career in Mallorca... this beautiful place among my loved ones and friends is incredible." Nadal, currently out of competition recovering from an injury, was in the stands with Carlos Moya to support their former Davis Cup teammate.
After his second win of the year on the ATP Tour, Lopez said: "Most of them came to seemingly attend the last match of my career. But fortunately, it wasn't the last match in my journey. I have another chance tomorrow. Words cannot describe my feelings."
