Tennis fans and fellow players are sending congratulations after two top stars announced their retirements within hours of each other this week. With Stan Wawrinka, Gael Monfils and David Goffin already announcing this is their final year on tour, they were joined by Spaniard Roberto Bautsita Agut on Thursday.
The 38-year-old is a former World No.9 and 12-time title winner on the ATP Tour. He was part of the Spanish team that won the Davis Cup in 2019.
He wrote on social media this week: “There are decisions that aren’t easy, but they come from serenity and the heart. The 2026 season will be my last as a professional tennis player.
Jamie Murray (far left) and Roberto Bautista Agut (far right) have announced their retirements. Image: Getty
“I’ve lived my dream for many years. I’ve given everything I had in every training session and every match. Now I feel the time has come to start saying goodbye, to enjoy each tournament in a different way, and to close this chapter with gratitude for my beloved tennis.
“I want to live every last point this year. To feel the support of the people, to compete one more time in the tournaments that have been a part of my life, and to say goodbye on the court, which is where I’ve always been happiest.
“Thank you to my family, my team, my friends, my sponsors, and everyone who has been there for me during these years. And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all the fans who have supported me every step of the way.”
Bautista Agut turned pro in 2005 and has amassed over $20 million in prize money across his illustrious career. He made the Australian Open quarter-finals and Wimbledon semi-finals in 2019 – and both remain his best grand slam singles results.
Jamie Murray announces immediate retirement
As for Murray, the Scottish doubles specialist has retired with immediate effect after a 22-year career. The younger brother of Andy Murray, Jamie is a former World No.1 in doubles and 34-time ATP title winner.
He won seven grand slam doubles titles – two in men’s and five in mixed – and won the Davis Cup with Great Britain in 2015. He won the Australian and US Open men’s doubles titles in 2016, and the mixed titles at Wimbledon and the US in 2017.
“My tennis journey comes to an end after 36 years,” he posted online. “I feel very fortunate and privileged for all the amazing experiences this great sport has given me.
“Thanks Mum, Dad, Andy, Ale, Alan, Louis and Thomas for all your incredible support, efforts and sacrifices throughout my career that allowed me to achieve everything I could in the game.”
Roberto Bautista Agut will retire at season’s end, while Jamie Murray has called it quits immediately. Image: Getty
Tributes have been flooding in for both players. Novak Djokovic wrote: “Congratulations on your career, Jamie.” Aussie player Matt Ebden wrote: “Was always a pleasure. Well done on an amazing career mate and the way you carry yourself was even more impressive, was awesome to get to know you and partner with you too. All the best moving forward, see you soon no doubt.”
Marin Cilic, Jakub Mensik, Luca Nardi and Tomás MartÃn Etcheverry all sent messages to Bautista Agut. Wimbledon, the ATP and International Tennis Federation were among the official accounts to send congratulations.