In the world of tennis, where fierce competition meets lasting camaraderie, the stories of past legends continue to captivate. Last year, fans witnessed Rafael Nadal‘s emotional farewell, marking the end of his 23-year career. Roger Federer, his rival and friend, poignantly noted, “A part of me left with him.” As a Spaniard, Nadal left an indelible mark on tennis. He won 22 Grand Slam titles, including a record 14 French Open championships. Nadal also secured two Olympic gold medals and played a crucial role in Spain’s five Davis Cup victories. However, his story is not the only one that inspired. Before Rafa, there was Juan Aguilera.
On March 25, the tennis world was shaken by the news of Juan Aguilera Herrera‘s passing. He died in Barcelona at the age of 63 after battling a long illness. Aguilera is forever remembered as the first Spaniard to win a Masters 1000 tournament, a feat he achieved before the category bore that name. Born in Barcelona in 1962, he won the Hamburg Masters in 1984 and again in 1990, notably defeating Boris Becker in the final with a score of 6-1, 6-0, 7-6.
Following the news, Nadal took to his Instagram story to leave a heartfelt message for the legend. Alongside a picture of Aguilera hoisting the Hamburg trophy in 1990, he wrote, “[Translated from Spanish] My most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Juan Aguilera, a great reference of our sport, who we will miss a lot Rest in Peace.”
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – May 27, 2024 Spain’s Rafael Nadal reacts during his first round match against Germany’s Alexander Zverev REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
Like Nadal, Aguilera was a clay-court specialist, competing six times at Roland Garros. He played a significant role in paving the way for future generations of Spanish tennis players, including Arantxa Sánchez Vicario and Sergi Bruguera. Not just that, but over his 11-year professional career, Juan created a lasting legacy that continues to inspire.
The legacy of the first Spaniard to win a Masters 1000 event
Juan Aguilera, the trailblazing Spanish tennis player, left an indelible mark on the sport. As a teenager, he was already making waves at Barcelona’s Club Tennis Barcino, alongside talents like Solers, Urpís, Margets, Docampos, and Casals. Trained by Lluís Bruguera, Sergi Bruguera’s father, Aguilera’s potential was evident early on. He reached the semifinals of the prestigious North American Orange Bowl tournament in 1980, setting the stage for his future success. This early promise was just the beginning of a remarkable journey.
Aguilera’s career was defined by his mastery on clay, where he won five elite titles, including the Hamburg Masters in 1984 and 1990. In 1984, he defeated Henrik Sundström in a thrilling five-set final, becoming the first Spaniard to win what would later be classified as a Masters 1000 tournament. He also reached a career-high ranking of No. 7 in September 1984.
His elegance on the court was matched by his unique playing style, featuring a great slice backhand, a skill he honed during an era when wooden rackets were still in use. Despite his achievements, Aguilera remained humble, preferring a low-key life over the spotlight, saying, “I prefer a good sense of humor and a peaceful day-to-day life.”
Aguilera’s legacy extends far beyond his titles. He inspired a generation of tennis players with his victories, including a memorable win over Boris Becker in Hamburg in 1990. After retiring in 1991, he dedicated himself to coaching at a discreet school in Premià de Dalt, focusing more on people than fame. As the tennis community bids farewell to this legend, they remember him as a “different” and “approachable” guy who left a lasting impact on the sport.
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