"Have to keep the flame burning" says Bautista Agut getting ready for 2022 with a new coaching team

The Spaniard, one of the most consistent players on Tour, broke into the Top 100 of the FedEx ATP Rankings at 24 years of age. His journey has been a steady one. Now, with an already impressive career under his belt, he is looking to prolong his prowess on Tour.

The Castellon-native will embark on the 2022 season having ended his professional relationship with Pepe Vendrell, his coach for the past 11 years, time during which he made his way into the elite. With Vendrell by his side, he produced the most brilliant moments of his successful career: his nine ATP Tour titles, Grand Slam semi-final, ATP Masters 1000 final and many other milestones.

Reflecting on that in a talk with ATPTour.com he said:

"It's a moment you never see coming. Pepe and I have practically been one person for all this time. We were by each other's sides for many years and I've enjoyed some of the best moments of my career with him in my corner. It's a big change, especially at first. You have some well-drilled routines, you're really used to certain things, the way you work with a person.”

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Bautista Agut will start this new phase of his career with a new formula, bringing former Top 50 players Daniel Gimeno-Traver and Tomas Carbonell onto his team. They will split the weeks by his side throughout the season. On that he said:

“I believe in a dual team. It's a very demanding sport for just one coach and I think splitting the weeks is the best way. Dani has started out very keen and excited. I have approached it with the same attitude and I feel very happy. Dani is great, a very good guy. We already had a good relationship off the court. Now I guess the relationship will be even stronger.”

On the new season he said:

“You have to keep the flame burning. Personally I think you have to nurture your passion, take care of it. After what happened at the Davis Cup I had three days of holiday, then I started to work straight away. I’m not short on desire! I’m looking forward to having a good year next year and to continuing to compete at the top.”