Bautista Agut reflects on how family has impacted his game

A perennial threat on the ATP Tour, Roberto Bautista Agut has been playing some of the best tennis of his career. The former World No.9 reached the finals in Doha and put on an impressive showing at the Miami Open, falling in the semifinals.

The Spaniard credits his newfound confidence to his love and dedication to his family, as he recently welcomed his first child late last year. In an interview with Eurosport's Players Voice, the 33-year old spoke about the bittersweet experience of having a child after losing his mother and father in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

"Becoming a father last September has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life so far, if not the best," Bautista Agut said. "I feel that the family bond I lost when my parents passed has been recovered by entering this new chapter of life with Ana and my child.

Family has always been the most important thing for me by far; the love you feel for your loved ones is incomparable. I felt this even before my parents passed; every time I came home and noticed they were gradually getting older, I made a mental note to enjoy every little moment I spent with them and that mindset stays with me now."

The World No.12 spoke about the joy of having his family travel with him this year, adding that he'd like to see his son inherit a few of his traits.

"Recently, Ana and Mini Rober joined me on Tour during the Middle East swing, which was really special. It’s beautiful seeing your child grow because they’re in continuous evolution; day by day they edge one step closer to the person they will become.

If there’s anything I could pass down to him, it would be my stubbornness! I believe that persistence to keep fighting for things is a very good thing and an important way of overcoming difficult obstacles. Those are the times which I think ultimately help you grow as a person."