Reborn in Antwerp: Bautista Agut plays an ATP Tour final two years later | ATP Tour

Antwerp

Reborn in Antwerp: Bautista Agut plays an ATP Tour final two years later

The Spaniard will seek his second ATP Tour title indoors

October 19, 2024

The word perseverance is printed on every hit by Roberto Bautista Agut, who no obstacle prevents from making another mark on the circuit. At 36 years old, after leaving behind one of the most complicated moments of his career, a fibula fracture that jeopardized his continuity in the locker room, the Spaniard reached the final of the European Open in Antwerp this Saturday. It is one of the improvement stories of the year.

The player from Castellón had to decipher (6-3, 6-4) the unpredictable hands of the Frenchman Hugo Gaston, a virtuoso of changes of rhythm with the left hand as the top weapon of the repertoire. in a match indoor which tested him completely, from his reflexes to his battered veteran legs, Bautista responded to the challenge with poise in every step. The Spaniard offered a duel of supreme order, achieving victory without suffering a single scratch on his serve.

“Today was a great match. Hugo is left-footed, has great talent and knows perfectly how to break your rhythm. I was very focused, I played a very complete match and I feel very happy to be in the final,” Bautista acknowledged. who will seek their first title since dominating the clay of Kitzbühel in the 2022 season, more than two years ago.

The victory allowed Bautista to extend a week of great victories on the Belgian deck, where he also kept an eye on Tomás Martín Etcheverry or Felix Auger-Aliassime, two of the main names in the draw. With Jiri Lehecka as the last barrier, after the Czech defeated the American Marcos Giron 6-3 4-6 6-2, Roberto dreams of the second track title indoor of his career.

This Saturday’s roar was a relief in the hands of the Spaniard, accustomed to dealing with obstacles off the slopes. A little over a year ago, while he was enjoying one of his great passions away from the horse riding circuit, an unfortunate fall ended with a bone fracture. A mishap that placed him in an unprecedented situation in the last decade: outside the 100 best in the world.

The Levantine faced an immense path. First, looking for rhythm on the ATP Challenger Tour. Then, accepting defeat as a more frequent companion than usual. Bautista, who became world No. 9, landed in Antwerp with a record of 19-19 on the year, adding as many wins as setbacks.

His final stretch of the season, however, has been setting the course for a fighting player like few others. After reaching the second week of Wimbledon, a step forward in the Grand Slam that he repeated by saving a round at the US Open, Roberto played a key role in getting Spain into the Davis Cup finals. Triumphs on big stages that have strengthened the authority of a heart full of experience.

“I have been working very hard since the injury,” recalled the man from Castellón, visibly proud of the fruits collected this week in Antwerp, where he has already achieved his best performance of the entire 2024 season. “Enjoying the track as I have achieved this week is the reason for which I love tennis. For moments like this I continue to strive every day.

Did you know that…?
Roberto Bautista Agut will return to the Top 50 of the PIF ATP Rankings this Monday. The Castellón native, who had been out of this group since October 2023, sees his efforts at the European Open in Antwerp rewarded with a good boost in the rankings.