Rebirth in Antwerp: two years later, Bautista Agut plays in the ATP Tour finals | ATP Tour

Antwerp

Rebirth in Antwerp: two years later, Bautista Agut plays in the ATP Tour finals

The Spaniard will be seeking his second ATP Tour indoor title

October 19, 2024

The word “persistence” is printed on every shot of Roberto Bautista Agut, who is not stopped by any obstacles from leaving another mark on the track. At 36, leaving behind one of the most difficult moments of his career – a fracture of the fibula that threatened his continuity in the dressing room, the Spaniard reached the final of the European Open in Antwerp this Saturday. This is one of the improvement stories of the year.

The player from Castellon had to decipher (6-3, 6-4) the unpredictable hands of the Frenchman Hugo Gaston, a virtuoso of rhythm changes with his left hand as the main weapon of his repertoire. in the match covered

which tested him completely, from his reflexes to his battered veteran legs, Bautista met the challenge with composure at every turn. The Spaniard fought a fight of the highest order, achieving victory without receiving a single scratch on his serve.

“Today was a great match. Hugo is left-handed, has great talent and knows how to break the rhythm. I was very focused, played a very complete match and I’m very happy to reach the final,” admitted Bautista. ., who will be seeking his first title since dominating the clay of Kitzbühel in the 2022 season more than two years ago.

The victory allowed Bautista to extend a great week of victories on the Belgian deck, where he was also keeping an eye on Thomas Martin Echeverry and Felix Auger-Aliassime, the two main names in the draw. With Czech Jiri Lehecka or American Marcos Giron as the final hurdle, Roberto is dreaming of a second track title. covered of your career.

Saturday’s roar came as a relief to the Spaniard, accustomed to tackling obstacles off the slopes. Just over a year ago, while enjoying one of his greatest hobbies away from riding, a bad fall resulted in a broken bone. An accident that put him in a situation unprecedented in the last decade: outside the top 100 in the world.

The Levantine had a long journey ahead of him. First, looking for rhythm on the ATP Challenger Tour. Then accept defeat as a more frequent companion than usual. Bautista, ranked No. 9 in the world, landed in Antwerp with a 19-19 record for the year, adding as many wins as setbacks.

However, his final stretch of the season set the course for the fighting player like few others. Having reached the second week of Wimbledon, a step forward at the Grand Slam that he repeated by saving a round at the US Open, Roberto played a key role in taking Spain to the Davis Cup final. Triumphs on big stages, strengthening the authority of a heart full of experience.

“I worked very hard after the injury,” recalls the man from Castellon, clearly proud of the fruits reaped this week in Antwerp, where he has already achieved his best result of the entire 2024 season. “Enjoying the track as much as I do. What I accomplished this week is the reason I love tennis. It’s moments like these that keep me striving every day.

Did you know this…?
Roberto Bautista Agut will return to the top 50 of the PIF ATP Rankings this Monday. The Castellón native, who has not been in this group since October 2023, sees his efforts at the European Open in Antwerp rewarded with a nice rise in the rankings.