As the 2026 tennis season barrels towards its midpoint, the professional circuit is bidding farewell to two more of its athletes. May 2026 marked the official retirement of Bernabe Zapata Miralles and Tereza Mrdeza, bringing their respective journeys in the sport to a close. This monthly series continues to document those who hang up their rackets, and this month’s departures highlight a range of personal and professional factors influencing career endings.
Bernabe Zapata Miralles: A Warrior’s Farewell
Bernabe Zapata Miralles, a player lauded for his relentless work ethic, has officially retired from professional tennis at the age of 29. His final match took place in his hometown at the Valencia Challenger, where he bowed out in the first round to Adolfo Daniel Vallejo. This poignant farewell was only his second competitive outing since he first signalled his intentions to retire back in December.
The decision to step away from the court came as a surprise to many, given Zapata Miralles’ consistent reputation for dedication and grit. However, the Spaniard himself revealed that a significant battle with mental health issues, coupled with a dip in form, had ultimately defined the latter stages of his career.
In an emotional Instagram post, Zapata Miralles candidly admitted his lack of desire to undertake the gruelling sacrifices necessary to reclaim a spot at the elite level of men’s tennis. His career, though relatively short, was marked by notable achievements. He reached a career-high ranking of World No. 37 and secured four ATP Challenger titles, all on his favoured clay surface.
His most memorable Grand Slam performance came at the 2022 French Open, where he astonishingly reached the fourth round as a qualifier. This remarkable run included an impressive victory over the highly-ranked Taylor Fritz. Throughout his professional career, Zapata Miralles amassed prize money just shy of $3 million, a testament to his dedication and success on tour.
Tereza Mrdeza: A Career of Persistence
Croatian WTA player Tereza Mrdeza also concluded her professional tennis career in May 2026. Her swansong came after a qualifying loss at the French Open, one of the season’s four Grand Slam tournaments. This followed a similar outcome earlier in the year, where she also exited in the qualifying rounds of the Australian Open.
Mrdeza had been largely inactive on the tour since 2023, and her entries into the qualifying draws of both Grand Slams this season were facilitated by a protected ranking, a rule designed to assist players returning from injury or extended breaks.
At 35 years old, Mrdeza’s best years saw her ranked as high as World No. 150. During her career, she collected eight ITF titles, demonstrating her consistent performance at the lower echelons of professional tennis. Her sole appearance in the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament occurred at the 2015 US Open, where she was defeated in the first round. Her career earnings amounted to over $500,000 in prize money.
The retirements of Zapata Miralles and Mrdeza serve as a reminder of the demanding nature of professional tennis and the personal journeys that lead athletes to seek new paths beyond the court. While their competitive days are over, their contributions and memorable moments will remain a part of the sport’s rich history.
