João Sousa takes final bow in Estoril, ending 16-year career against Arthur Fils

João Sousa played the final match of his career on Wednesday, bowing out the Millennium Estoril Open against Arthur Fils, 7-5, 6-4.

"I want to congratulate João for his amazing career," Fils said on court after the match, later signing his congratulations on the camera lens. "It's unbelievable.

"He played amazing for his last match! He's one of the toughest opponents on clay, so I'm happy about the win. I was trying to stay focused on the match and nothing else."

A former world No. 28, Sousa announced in February that he would retire at his home tournament, which he won back in 2018.

“It’s been very nice to receive the support from the fans and the love from the organization,” said Sousa, who celebrated his 35th birthday at the tournament on Saturday. “I couldn’t ask for something better from today.”

Born four hours north of Estoril, the Guimarães native has done much to give back to his home country, undertaking an ambitious restoration of what is now a luxury hotel run by his family: the Conquistador Hotel.

On the court, Sousa won four ATP singles titles and reached the second week at two Grand Slam tournaments: at the 2018 US Open and at Wimbledon in 2019.

“It’s a very special one because it’s my last one,” Sousa said of his final appearance in Estoril. “Hopefully I can enjoy everything on court.”

Though Sousa put on a valiant effort, the wild card was ultimately overawed by the fifth-seeded Fils, who advanced into the second round after one hour and 49 minutes on court.

The French teenager has been one to watch since he roared to his first ATP title last spring in Lyon as an 18-year-old wild card, ending a wildly successful debut season at No. 36 in the ATP rankings.

Now 19, Fils has posted mixed results in 2024, reaching the third round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells but falling at the first hurdle in Miami, looking to kickstart his season on clay.

Taking on Sousa for the first time, Fils shook off an early exchange of breaks to take a 6-5 lead in the opening set, serving it out with an athletic approach to the net.

The second set took a similar turn with Fils breaking serve and navigating an epic eighth game, surviving four deuces to put himself a game from victory.

Sousa gamely served to stay in the match, but Fils proved too strong, converting match point with a netted backhand from the Portuguese veteran.

Up next for Fils is Cristian Garín, who defeated Jurij Rodionov in straight sets on Monday.