Cuevas' magnificent message announcing his retirement
On Tuesday, Pablo Cuevas officially put an end to his career as a professional tennis player. To acknowledge and share his decision, the 38-year-old Uruguayan posted a magnificent message on his Instagram account to retrace his life's journey in the world of tennis.
Pablo Cuevas: "This journey began with dreams... with the innocence of a child who wanted to become a tennis player. From kayaking on the Uruguay River to the Philippe Chatrier court, how many life-changing experiences... reality has surpassed dreams.
Tennis was more than a sport, it was my passion, my daily motivation, and the reason I got up every morning with the desire to be better.
In the meantime, I've experienced everything from spectacular results to storms where time seemed to slow down and uncertainty was total. Sport, like life, takes you by surprise, and you often have to choose with more doubts than certainties. But what I've never doubted is how lucky I've been in my 20+ year career.
How many trips and places, how many people I've met off the court, and what extraordinary players on the court: Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, to name but a few from that wonderful era. All that I've learned and the happiness with which I've traversed this journey, week after week, packing and unpacking my bag, tournament after tournament, always with my passion intact.
Mom and Dad, thank you for giving me the freedom to choose and for your unconditional support. Without you, this would never have started. Felipe and Ana, thank you for giving me the most precious thing of all: your time, to invest quality hours in my dream. I've had to live with injuries throughout my career, and I'd like to thank the various doctors who have been decisive.
To all of you who were in my box, thank you for guiding me and always demanding the best from me, I didn't make it easy for you. Right up to the last match, I received messages from each and every one of you, and even though I'm far away, I know about your efforts to follow the matches, the celebrations in front of the TV or wherever there was a picture. All this good energy has always reached me, and I'd like to thank you.
The end has come, but I'll continue to be linked to tennis, because I love it, and it would be very unfair to it if I couldn't share everything I've learned on this unforgettable journey. Alfonsina, Antonia and Clarita come first, after accompanying me unconditionally and encouraging me every day, wherever we are. I'm excited about what's to come, the present and the new opportunities that are sure to arise.
That's all, my friends!"
