Spanish Tennis Legend Juan Aguilera Passes Away at 63
He was not on the list.
The Spanish tennis community is mourning the loss of Juan Aguilera, who passed away just three days after celebrating his 63rd birthday. Once a prominent figure in national tennis, Aguilera achieved remarkable success, reaching the seventh spot in the ATP rankings and making history in 1990 as the first Spanish player to win a Masters 1,000 title.
Aguilera's triumphant moment came at the Hamburg tournament, where he stunned the tennis world by defeating Boris Becker with a resounding score of 6-1, 6-0, and 7-6. This victory was not just an isolated incident; Aguilera also triumphed over tennis legends like Michael Chang and Jim Courier during the same championship.
Adding a poignant twist to his remarkable career, Aguilera played his final ATP match only a year later, marking the end of an era for a player who, while perhaps faded from memory, paved the way for future Spanish champions such as Sergi Bruguera, Emilio Sánchez Vicario, Carlos Moyá, and Alex Corretja. Aguilera was the trailblazer who opened the floodgates to Masters titles for Spain.
In 1984 and 1985, Aguilera donned the Spanish colors in the Davis Cup, boasting a record of six victories against four defeats. His peak ranking, a commendable seventh position, was achieved on September 17, 1984.
Aguilera's journey began at the tender age of three when he first picked up a tennis racket. By five, he was already receiving lessons from his godmother and turned professional in 1981 after winning the national junior championship in 1980. His professional career spanned a decade, culminating in his retirement in 1992 at the young age of 30. "I am tired. I think it is the right moment to dedicate myself to teaching others everything I have learned on the court," he expressed on the day of his retirement.
From player to mentor, Aguilera transitioned to teaching at the Tennis Club of Premià de Dalt in Barcelona. Last night, at the age of 63, he passed away, leaving a significant void in the heart of Spanish tennis.
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