‘When a middle-finger received applause’ Twitter pays tribute to Tommy Robredo as the Spaniard retires after an illustrious 23-year long career
Follow Us
Tommy Robredo flashing his fingers to Andy Murray
Former World No. 5 Tommy Robredo has played out the final match of his career. Playing in the first round of the 2022 Barcelona Open, his home event, Tommy lost 1-6, 1-6 to Zapata Miralles as he makes one final exit from the ATP Tour. This was Robredo’s only ATP Tour level tournament having earlier lost in the second round of the 2022 Monterrey Challenger 35.
The 39-year old had been rarely active on the Tour in the past couple of seasons and now has finally decided to call it quits on his career as a Pro. A claycourt lover like many Spaniards, Robredo’s best results came on the red soil as he won 11 of his 12 career titles on the clay courts. Robredo played in 23 finals with 12 titles and 11 runner-up finishes. He also won four Davis Cup titles with Spain in 2004, 2008 and 2009 while claiming two Hopman Cup titles in 2002 and 2010.
With many iconic moments during his career, one that always remains iconic is the 2014 Valencia Open finals between him and 3-time major winner Andy Murray. In what was arguably one of the best Tour finals of the season, Murray won the match 3–6, 7–6(7), 7–6(8) with the finals going for 3 hours 20 minutes.
With Robredo coming very close to finishing the match in straight-sets, Murray’s resilience saw him hold his fort and force a decider which he eventually won. After collapsing on the ground having clinched the championship point, Robredo was waiting for the Brit at the net as both players were terribly tired. As Murray approached for a hug at the net, Robredo showed Andy both of his middle fingers and the two players along with the crowd burst out laughing for having played an amazing final.
‘A true gentleman’ Netizens recall their fond memories of Tommy Robredo
Robredo retires as the only player in the Open Era to make a hattrick of comebacks while being 2-sets down. The Spaniard achieved the historic feat during his quarter-final run to the 2013 French Open where he was eventually defeated by eventual runner-up David Ferrer. With a 17-5 record in 5-setters, Tommy also has one of the highest percentages of five-set matches won.
Stay Updated!
Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)