Barnabé Zapata Miralles, who turned professional in 2015, began his journey on the ITF and Challenger Tours. Over the first years of his career, he collected 13 titles at the lower-tier level. His breakthrough came in 2022 when he reached the French Open round-of-16 as a qualifier, a remarkable achievement that placed him among the rising names in Spanish tennis.
In 2023, Zapata Miralles enjoyed his first full season on the ATP Tour, climbing to a career-high ranking of No. 37. His consistency and determination during that period marked him as one of the promising players of his generation.
Decline in Form
Despite his success, the following seasons proved difficult. Zapata Miralles struggled to maintain his momentum and spent much of 2024 and 2025 competing on the Challenger circuit. In May 2025, he managed to win an ITF tournament, but the remainder of the year was marked by disappointment as he lost 14 consecutive matches.
These struggles highlighted the demanding nature of professional tennis, where maintaining peak performance requires both physical and mental resilience.
Retirement Announcement
On Instagram, Zapata Miralles announced his decision to retire at the age of 28. He shared a heartfelt message with his fans and fellow players, acknowledging his shortcomings and expressing regret for moments when he did not act respectfully.
“Dear friends, after some time to reflect, I want to let you know that I have decided to officially retire as a professional player,”
wrote Zapata Miralles.“I want to begin by asking for forgiveness. Forgiveness from all the people I have disrespected during these years. Tennis is very demanding and often pushes you to the limit. I think that many times I didn’t act correctly with the people around me.”
He further explained his decision, saying, “I feel and know that I am still young, but after a lifetime of playing, I am no longer willing to continue making the sacrifice required to be an elite player. I don’t have the same hunger or the motivation that a player needs to improve day after day.”
Legacy and Reflection
Although his career ended earlier than expected, Zapata Miralles leaves behind moments of brilliance, particularly his run at Roland Garros in 2022. His journey reflects the challenges faced by many professional athletes who balance ambition with the sacrifices required to compete at the highest level.
His candid farewell message resonated with fans and peers, offering insight into the emotional and mental toll of elite competition. For Spanish tennis, his career remains a reminder of the depth of talent and the unforgiving nature of the sport.