Roberto Bautista Agut, who hung up his tennis racket just over a month ago, has wasted no time launching a new sporting chapter — this time on the football pitch. The 38-year-old former world number nine turned out for Spanish seventh-tier club CD Els Ibarsos and marked his debut with a brace in a 4-2 pre-season victory.
The move caps a remarkable career switch for Bautista Agut, who built a reputation as one of the most consistent players on the ATP Tour over more than a decade. He won 12 singles titles, reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon in 2019, and helped Spain lift the Davis Cup that same year. His run at the All England Club that summer pushed him to a career-high ranking of ninth in the world.
Football, however, is where his sporting journey began. Before dedicating himself fully to tennis, Bautista Agut spent time in Villarreal's youth academy until the age of 14, at which point he chose to pursue the sport that would eventually make him one of Spain's most recognizable tennis exports. Now, having stepped away from professional tennis, he has returned to his footballing roots with Els Ibarsos, a club based roughly 60 miles north of Valencia.
The club made the signing official with an announcement on Instagram, describing Bautista Agut as one of their own and thanking supporters for the atmosphere generated around his unveiling. "It's official: Roberto Bautista Agut is a C.D. Els Ibarsos player," the club wrote. "Thanks to everyone who came out to support us and create a great atmosphere on an unforgettable evening. And thank you, Roberto, for putting your trust in this project and this town."
Els Ibarsos also expressed excitement at the prospect of having the former tennis star turn out for them beyond just a solitary appearance, suggesting they hope to see him feature across a full campaign at the club.
For his part, Bautista Agut appears fully invested in his new pursuit. Writing on social media following his goal-scoring debut, he reflected on the significance of the moment. "It's a new stage of life that's making me very happy," he said. "May the good start continue!"
While competing at the seventh tier of Spanish football is a far cry from the grand slam courts and packed stadiums he once graced, Bautista Agut's early form suggests he is determined to make an impact in his new athletic endeavor. Two goals on debut is a promising start, even if the level of competition is a significant step down from the ATP Tour.
His story adds to a growing list of retired professional athletes who have sought new challenges in different sports after stepping away from the elite level of their original discipline. For Bautista Agut, the transition from tennis courts to football pitches represents both a nostalgic return to his childhood sport and a fresh test of his competitive instincts.
Whether this marks the beginning of a sustained football career or simply a passion project following retirement remains to be seen. But for now, the Spaniard seems content simply enjoying the game once more, this time with a ball at his feet rather than a racket in his hand.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.