"I grew up here, no better way than this" - Robredo after final match in Barcelona

After falling to Zapata Miralles, the 39-year-old reunited with David Ferrer, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Feliciano Lopez for a special retirement ceremony Monday at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell.

The 39-year-old kissed goodbye to the ATP tour when Zapata Miralles closed out a 6-1, 6-1 victory. Robredo appeared all but at peace with the closed chapter, soaking up the opportunity to say farewell at a venue that has always been home. He said:

“I grew up here. When I was 14, I started to be a member of the team competition. It was my first tournament as a professional when I was 16. This is where I have most of my friends, and my family lives one hour from here. I think there is no better way to end a career than doing it in your tennis club, with your friends, with your family and with all the people that [have] followed you.”

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Several familiar faces, including now tournament director David Ferrer, former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero and Davis Cup champion teammate Feliciano Lopez, helped send off the 12-time ATP titlist in a moving presentation. Andy Murray, Carlos Moya and David Nalbandian were among those sending in congratulatory video messages.

Robredo further said:

“To have them on the video, to have them next to me, it's a special moment. I always will remember this because it's like a family. It's a great honor to see great athletes, great people, great friends that spend a little bit of time just to say a few words to myself. We have been traveling together, playing together, having battles together. Winning, losing, but enjoying this world for many, many years. I'm leaving this small group, but I'm not going to leave them. When we see each other, we go for dinner, we have a drink and we enjoy remembering things.”