Age no barrier for Feliciano Lopez who hits career landmark at Dubai Duty Free Championships

The oldest man in the draw here at 34 and a two-time Dubai runner-up, Lopez reached the milestone with a battling 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 win over his Spanish compatriot Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, writes Ahmed Rizvi.

Feliciano Lopez of Spain in action against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain during Day 2 of the ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on February 22, 2016. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

DUBAI // Feliciano Lopez feels he has been lucky to have an injury-free career after 18 years on the tour as he celebrated his 400th win on Monday.

The oldest man in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships draw here at 34 and a two-time Dubai runner-up, Lopez reached the milestone with a battling 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 win over his Spanish compatriot Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.

Though he turned pro in 1997, Lopez spent the first few years of his career on the ITF and Challengers Tours, and his first ATP World Tour win came in 2001, in Vina del Mar, Chile, after he lost his first two matches.

“Well, I am very happy, first of all, because I think it is a good number, 400 wins,” said Lopez.

“Yeah, it’s been long time since I start playing tennis and I’m very happy that I have been able to achieve this number.

“It means that I was also very lucky in terms of I didn’t have injuries during my career. I have been able to play for almost 15 years, so it was easier to get to this number.”

Photo gallery: Novak Djokovic, Feliciano Lopez and Mikhail Youzhny serve it up in Dubai

Lopez’s longevity on the Tour can also be gauged from the number of appearances in Dubai.

The Spaniard, No 24 in the world at the moment, first came here in 2003 and reached the final next year, losing to Roger Federer. He reached the final in 2008 as well, when he lost to Andy Roddick.

“It was a great 10 years playing here,” said Lopez, who is making his 10th appearance in this tournament. “Two finals, good memories, no?

“I don’t remember when was the first time I played here, but it was many years ago. I remember Dubai was completely different, no? The city was growing and growing.

“So the year after, when I was coming back, I was surprised at how many buildings they have already made.

“Yeah, it’s a great city. It’s a great tournament. So it’s always great to be here.”

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For Lopez, the biggest attraction of the city is the opportunity to experience life outside the tennis courts. On this trip, he went to Dubai Mall with his entourage for dinner last week.

“Normally it’s tough because you play in the evening here, but last weekend we were able to go to Dubai Mall and we were having dinner there,” said Lopez.

“It was so beautiful. We were taking some pictures at the Burj Khalifa.

“Yeah, it’s always nice when you have time to go and you see something else besides the tennis court or hotel room. This is the city to do it, no? Any chance that we have, I try to go somewhere and to enjoy my life.”

Lopez also went for a spin in the Dubai Police’s Audi R8 and the Spaniard was clearly impressed, even though the police officer made sure he was obeying the city speed limits.

“I will tell you the truth: The guy wasn’t driving so fast,” said Lopez, drawing laughter in the press room.

“He’s a policeman, so he’s been taking care - he was very respectful with all the signs.”

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