Carlos Lopez Montagud showcases the power of resilience

Valencia native Carlos López Montagud is determined to climb his way back toward the top of the ATP rankings. Currently sitting at World No. 645, the 25-year-old Spaniard has already enjoyed career highs, including a ranking of World No. 331 in January 2023 and a strong junior career that saw him rise to World No. 11. With eight ITF World Tennis Tour titles under his belt, including his most recent win earlier this year in Gandía, López Montagud is once again knocking on the door of bigger stages.

Last week and after battling through the qualifying, he reached the second round of the LXII Copa Sevilla, marking his first ATP Challenger Tour main-draw victory of the season. “I played two very good matches in the qualifying and felt really good on court,” he said after winning his first-round encounter in the capital city of Andalusia against Carlos Sanchez Jover. “I played against one of my best friends on the tour, which is never easy. He didn’t compete at his highest level, but I am happy for the win.”

The result is another step forward for a player whose career has been shaped as much by resilience as by talent.

From early steps to the pro circuit

López Montagud first picked up a racket at the age of four, when his mother, who was taking tennis lessons herself, arranged for him and his three brothers to join in. By the age of nine, he was training daily. His early development paid off quickly, as he climbed the junior ranks, playing Grand Slam events and reaching the quarterfinals at the boys’ event at Roland Garros. He also captured a prestigious title at the Ferrero Tennis Academy in Villena, a highlight he still cherishes.

Like many promising juniors, the jump to the professional tour proved challenging. “I was playing in Grand Slam tournaments at the biggest stages. They treat you like professional players,” he explained.

When you start competing at Futures, it’s not easy. You have to start from zero. You have to face more experienced players, who fight for every point. That makes it tough.

Financial constraints also added to the difficulty. Without federation support or sponsors, López Montagud relied on prize money tournaments and club matches to finance his career. “When I turned 19, I already competed in prize money tournaments. Playing team matches helps financially. I played in Germany, Italy, Spain and probably in France later this year.”

In Germany, he has represented clubs in Leipzig and Mannheim, experiences made possible thanks to his friendship with fellow Spaniard Pedro Martínez.

Determination despite tough challenges

López Montagud has already endured his share of obstacles. Injuries have disrupted his progress. “I didn’t have any sponsors, and I just wanted to become a professional tennis player and put pressure on myself. This period was not easy. I also struggled with a shoulder injury and was sidelined from the courts for six months. When I came back, the Covid pandemic began,” he said.

Despite the setbacks, his determination remained intact. After overcoming those struggles, he returned to winning ways with his ITF titles, proving he could once again find rhythm on court.

Today, López Montagud is based in his hometown of Valencia, where he trains at the GTennis Academy. Surrounded by high-level players and coaches, he feels the environment is the right one to relaunch his career. “It is really nice there. The coaches are very good, and a lot of very good players are around. I am really happy to be there.”

His style of play reflects his work ethic: steady, physical, and relentless. “It’s not easy,” he laughs when asked to describe it.

I think that I am a very solid player, hard to beat. I like to dominate the rallies with my forehand and I enjoy physical hard battles. My favourite surface is clay.

Back to Sevilla, back to winning

The Copa Sevilla provided López Montagud with both fond memories and new motivation. He had played there before, back when the tournament was still held on the unique alberoclay surface. “On the albero the balls were bouncing a bit more and at the back of the court it was a bit more slippery. At the beginning it was also a bit more difficult to see the balls and the eyes needed some time to adapt to surface. Two years ago, I lost to the eventual champion Roberto Carballés Baena, but it was a very nice experience.”

Now on red clay, he enjoyed the support of family close by. “My brother has just moved from Valencia to Sevilla and works for a beer brewery here. He brought some friends to the match, and they were pushing me, which was very nice.”

Away from tennis, López Montagud enjoys simple pleasures: time with family, outings with friends, and the traditions of his hometown. “I like to go out with my friends. I also like to spend time with my family and enjoy a nice Paella on Sundays. I am from Valencia, and this is a popular procedure,” he smiled. Travel is another passion, whether exploring Lisbon, the Canary Islands, or the diverse landscapes of Spain.

He is also a soccer fan, following Valencia CF but ultimately supporting FC Barcelona.

After a slow start to the year, López Montagud believes his hard work is beginning to pay off. “I had a difficult start into the season. I had to change my racket and started to work at GTennis Academy. But I worked hard, and it is starting to pay off. The goal is to get back to my career-high ranking and maybe even more.”

If his recent performance in Sevilla is any indication, Carlos López Montagud may well be on his way to achieving just that.