WATCH: Portugese ATP icon Joao Sousa bows out from the court after Estoril loss with a tearful goodbye

Sousa was the highest-ranked player from Portugal, breaking multiple records throughout his career that spanned 16 long years on the ATP Tour.

WATCH: Portugese ATP icon Joao Sousa bows out from the court after Estoril loss with a tearful goodbye

Joao Sousa (Image via IMAGO)

Former World No. 28 Joao Sousa has said goodbye to tennis after a long career of 16 years. Hailed as one of the best Portuguese tennis players ever, the four-time Tour title winner was ranked inside the Top 100 for nearly eight consecutive years. 

He was the first player from Portugal to break into the ATP Top-50 and also the ATP Top-30. Sousa reached 12 Tour finals, all at the ATP-250 level. He clinched three titles on hardcourt and one on clay. The one on clay came on home soil at the 2018 Estoril Open, where he defeated Frances Tiafoe in the finals. 

YouTube video

In one of his most revered wins, it was only natural for him to choose Estoril as his farewell tournament. He signed up for both singles and doubles, having competed in the two disciplines throughout his career. In doubles, he partnered Joao Fonseca, but the pair was defeated in a closely fought three-setter. 

FS Video

In singles, he took on French youngster Arthur Fils, who beat him 7-5, 6-4 to draw the curtain on his career. Following the match, Sousa was honored with a special montage of his career highlights as the spectators gave a standing ovation to one of their favorite homegrown players. 

He signed the camera ‘Viva Portugal’ as emotions took over the stadium at the 2024 Estoril Open. He was joined by many officials and close ones for his farewell event.

Joao Sousa’s career had been in a decline post the 2019 season

Following his win in Estoril in 2018, he finished the season with a positive record of 33-29. Before this, he had a negative record in the previous two seasons, in 2016 and 2017. While many hoped he would build on this form, things went south for him, unfortunately. 

Joao Sousa
Joao Sousa is presented with a special frame upon his retirement (Image via IMAGO)

From 2019 to 2023, he had a negative season record as a dip in form came along with his fitness concerns. In 2020, he won just four matches from the 17 he played in the COVID-19-affected season. While he signed up for more events in the subsequent seasons, his form didn’t improve. 

He tried to regain his confidence and form by returning to the challenger level. But that wasn’t very helpful either. He did reach two finals but had to settle for the runner-up trophy. His runner-up finish in Helsinki, Finland, in November 2021 remains the last-ever Challenger final he reached before retiring. 

An important figure in Portuguese tennis, he is likely to transition into management or a coaching role if he wishes to. But for now, he can finally relax and look back on a fantastic career that made him one of the icons of his motherland. 

In case you missed it: