Not every player wants to compete well into their 30s…
In 2024, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal retired from tennis after long and successful careers.
This year, Richard Gasquet, Diego Schwartzman, and Fabio Fognini officially retired.
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Adding his name to that list, a Spanish star once ranked in the ATP top 50, has now called it quits at 28.
Spain’s Bernabe Zapata Miralles retires from tennis and ‘asks for forgiveness’
Posting on Instagram, Bernabe Zapata Miralles, the former world number 37, announced his retirement (translated from Spanish).
“Dear friends, after some time to reflect, I want to let you know that I have decided to officially retire as a professional player,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
Zapata Miralles struggled throughout 2025, playing on the Challenger and ITF Tours.
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He finished the year with a 19-28 record, but fell apart during the last few months of 2025.
After winning an ITF title in May, Zapata Miralles lost his next 14 matches.
Bernabe Zapata Miralles’ losing streak
| Month | Match | Opponent | Opponent’s rank | Result |
| June | Helibronn Challenger – Q1 | Michael Agwi | 645 | LOSS |
| June | Bratislava Challenger – Q1 | Stefan Latinovic | 985 | LOSS |
| June | Milan Challenger – Q1 | Mikael Ymer | 646 | LOSS |
| June | Modena Challenger – Q1 | Carlo Alberto Caniato | 693 | LOSS |
| August | Sofia 1 Challenger – R32 | Denis Yevseyev | 322 | LOSS |
| August | M25 Santander – R32 | Ignacio Parisca | 946 | LOSS |
| September | Seville Challenger – R32 | Ignacio Buse | 135 | LOSS |
| September | Targu Mures Challenger – R32 | Marco Truneglliti | 150 | LOSS |
| September | Targu Mures Challenger 2 – R32 | Jack Loge | 538 | LOSS |
| September | Villena Challenger – Q1 | Trey Hilderbrand | 691 | LOSS |
| October | Valencia Challenger – R32 | Luka Pavlovic | 217 | LOSS |
| October | Hersonissos 6 Challenger – R32 | Denis Novak | 463 | LOSS |
| November | Motemar Challenger – Q1 | Giuseppe La Vela | 656 | LOSS |
| November | Athens Challenger – R32 | Oleg Prihodko | 445 | LOSS |
It certainly wasn’t a glamorous end to his career, but what did Zapata Miralles achieve during his best years on tour?
Bernabe Zapata Miralles reached the fourth round of the French Open and starred at the Davis Cup
The Spaniard broke through at the Grand Slam level in 2021, qualifying for his first main draw at the French Open.
It was at the French Open, a year later, that he enjoyed his best-ever run at a Grand Slam, reaching the fourth round.
Bernabe Zapata Miralles at the 2022 French Open
- 2022 French Open Q1 [WIN] vs Dudi Sela, 6-3, 6-0
- 2022 French Open Q2 [WIN] vs Gastao Elias, 6-1, 6-1
- 2022 French Open Q3 [WIN] vs Luca Nardi, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1
- 2022 French Open 1R [WIN] vs Michael Mmoh, 7-6, 6-3, 7-5
- 2022 French Open 2R [WIN] vs Taylor Fritz, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, 6-3
- 2022 French Open 3R [WIN] vs John Isner, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-7, 6-3
- 2022 French Open 4R [LOSS] vs Alexander Zverev, 6-7, 5-7, 3-6
Zapata Miralles stunned Taylor Fritz and John Isner, but eventually fell short against Alexander Zverev.
Bernabe Zapata Miralles’ Grand Slam performance timeline
| Grand Slam | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Australian Open | – | Q1 | Q1 | Q1 | 1R | 1R |
| French Open | – | – | 1R | 4R | 1R | Q2 |
| Wimbledon | – | – | 1R | 1R | 1R | Q2 |
| US Open | Q1 | – | 2R | 1R | 2R | – |
Bernabe Zapata Miralles’ Grand Slam results breakdown
- W – 0
- F – 0
- SF – 0
- QF – 0
- 4R – 1
- 3R – 0
- 2R – 2
- 1R – 8
Zapata Miralles also had the honor of representing his country at the Davis Cup Finals in 2023.
The Spaniard gave a good account of himself in a straight-sets defeat to Tomas Machac, before picking up one of the most memorable wins of his career.
Looking to give Spain a 1-0 lead against South Korea, Zapata Miralles took on Hong Seong-Chan.
Delivering for his country, Zapata Miralles won 6-4, 7-5, sending Spain on their way to a 2-1 victory.
The 28-year-old never returned to the Spain setup, but will surely never forget his Davis Cup triumph.
Retiring as young as he has, Zapata Miralles may have some regrets from his time in tennis, but he should still be proud of his efforts regardless.
Only time will tell what he will choose to do next…
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