On Friday, ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi welcomed Juan Sebastian Cabal, Kyle Edmund, Robert Farah, Wesley Koolhof, Matwe Middelkoop, Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi, Albert Ramos-Vinolas and Diego Schwartzman with a speech in the players’ lounge. Later, the group took part in an on-court ceremony at the Inalpi Arena before the singles match between Alexander Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Schwartzman’s Emotional Return
Former World No. 8 Diego Schwartzman, who retired earlier this year in Buenos Aires, expressed his joy at being invited back to the Finals. “It’s amazing to come back to a tournament, especially the ATP Finals and to be able to share it with someone from your family,” Schwartzman told ATPTour.com. . “In my case, my mum is here. When I played the [Nitto ATP Finals], she couldn’t come because it was the pandemic and players’ invites were very limited. My mum’s a tennis fan, so we’ll enjoy a couple of days watching tennis and I’m getting a nice recognition. It’s fun and a good initiative.”
Edmund Reflects on His Journey
Kyle Edmund, a former World No. 14 and Australian Open semifinalist, spoke about how retirement has given him perspective. “I’ve realised that when you play, you don’t think too much about your career, but since retiring you have a lot more time at home, and you can appreciate your career a lot more,” said Edmund. “It’s good that the ATP reached out and said they wanted to celebrate my career with this ceremony… It’s a really nice touch and you remember these sorts of things.”
Ramos-Vinolas Honoured
Albert Ramos-Vinolas, a four-time ATP Tour champion, was equally grateful. “The event is really amazing, I’m so happy to be here, to receive a small tribute and to come here with my family and spend a few more relaxed days at a tennis tournament,” said the Spaniard.
Doubles Legends Celebrated
The ceremony also honoured doubles stars, including three former World No. 1s: Cabal, Farah and Koolhof. Cabal said, “It’s really amazing, of course, it was a very beautiful ceremony. You look back and you see everything you achieved, and it’s really nice to remember it. And, of course, for them to do it for you at the best tournament of the year is really great.”
Farah added, “Having the recognition here at the ATP Finals makes it even more special. This tournament is always one that we appreciate so much, it gives you that feeling of exclusivity and of quality.”Koolhof and Middelkoop’s Farewell
Wesley Koolhof, the 2020 Nitto ATP Finals champion, praised the initiative. “I think it’s a very nice initiative from the ATP and they do it well. It’s one of the most prestigious tournaments of the year, so it’s nice to be back here for the fourth year in a row, even though I’m not playing.” His former partner Matwe Middelkoop, who retired in July, shared his pride. “I said I want to have my parents here, because they were there at the start and I wanted to give them opportunity to see me at the end of my tennis career. It’s an amazing feeling. I’m very proud of what I accomplished.”
Qureshi’s Full Circle Moment
Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi, who ended his career in September, reflected on his long journey. “Growing up as a Pakistani, a young kid, I never thought I would have such a long career to start with. Playing with the top guys, at the top tournaments, and qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals also four times. It’s been amazing, and this is like a full circle.” He added, “My parents are here, my wife, my son and daughter are here. It’s a lot of things to digest but I feel proud in the end as well for having an amazing career. The ATP was like a second family to me.”
The evening in Turin highlighted not only the achievements of these players but also the enduring bonds they formed throughout their careers, making the ATP Finals a fitting stage for their recognition.