Roberto Bautista Agut’s roar resounded around the Manolo Santana Stadium like few others before it. The Spaniard claimed a huge victory at the Mutua Madrid Open on Wednesday in one of the most hotly-anticipated matches of round one. With his considerable fighting spirit, the Castellon native took down Jaume Munar 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 in over two hours of tennis in order to redeem himself in the Caja Magica.
“Jaume is playing well”, acknowledged the world No. 55 sportingly, recognising his opponent’s talent. “He’s a very tough player, even more so on clay. I’m very happy to come through this match, I always really enjoy playing here in Madrid. I’ve always been extra motivated at this tournament. I feel happy that I won”.
It’s all hands on deck for Bautista in the Caja Magica because of the situation he finds himself in. The Spaniard, whose broken fibula at the end of 2023 threatened to end his career, is working hard to keep his place among the stars of the ATP Tour. He is not as young as he used to be, but the years have done nothing to dampen his enthusiasm and Bautista now relies on his strength of mind to continue playing his best tennis.
“When you haven’t been playing as well as you expect, winning fewer matches than normal, it’s always hard to get out of the rut”, said the Spaniard, who had only won three of his last 13 matches this season. For a former Top 10 player, and someone who is used to dominating his opponents, his current situation requires phenomenal mental strength every time he takes to the court. “I knew it wouldn’t be a walk in the park. You don’t get out of ruts without fighting for it, gritting your teeth, grinning and bearing it”.
Now, the doors of the Caja Magica represent a huge challenge for the Spaniard. In his next match, none other than top seed and two-time champion of the tournament Alexander Zverev will await on the other side of the net. The German world No. 2 is still in his pomp. He touched down in Madrid this week having taken the title in Munich, a clay event that he dominated from start to finish.
“I would have liked to play someone else. He’s just won in Munich too!” admitted Bautista, despite his excitement at progressing at the biggest tournament in Spain. The Spaniard, who produced his best result in the Caja Magica back in 2014 (semifinal), is dreaming of reproducing the magic he found in the Spanish capital over a decade ago. “Having the chance to play in Madrid is very special, so I’ll give it my all. I’m going to be really motivated, I can’t wait to play that match”.
Bautista Agut is one of the most experienced players on the circuit and is now the third oldest player in the world’s Top 100, where only Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils are carrying more years. Inevitably, it is telling in a pair of legs that have trodden the tour like few others.
“It’s tougher now”, explained the Spaniard. With two decades under his belt as a professional, the body blows are tougher to take. “When you’re 25 and you lose, there are no doubts. At 37 the doubts are more prominent. This is a new situation for me and I have to try and deal with it. Of course, I’m enjoying the final stages of my career. I have to enjoy playing matches like this one and winning as much as possible”.
In Madrid, where every victory will taste extra sweet to Roberto, one of Spain’s best-loved players is hoping to do something special.
