[Kezzi]

Someone posted about it on my fb after reading it in GM. I googled and this is the first news shown, so I just quoted this. Can't read Spanish, but translated with google translate. Works pretty well.

http://www.elpais.com.co/elpais/depo...ncia-su-retiro
Nicolás Lapentti anuncia su retiro

| Por: AP-Enlajugada

Nicolás Lapentti, quien llegó a ser el número seis del ranking mundial en 1999, anunció que se retira de la actividad profesional para dedicarse a actividades privadas.

"A partir de ahora me dedicaré a trabajar en varios proyectos que tienen que ver con el futuro del tenis de mi país", expresó el tenista ecuatoriano en medio de lágrimas.

En una rueda de prensa, Lapentti afirmó que "costó mucho tomar esta decisión, por eso no me quise apresurar, quise estar 100 por ciento seguro".

Durante su carrera logró cinco títulos ATP y en 1999 se ubicó en puesto seis del mundo. Ese fue el año en el que alcanzó las semifinales del Abierto de Australia, su mejor resultado en torneos del Grand Slam. También llegó a los cuartos de final de Wimbledon en 2002.

Aunque no lo mencionó, las lesiones reiteradas lo alejaron de la alta competencia del tenis profesional durante el año pasado. "Me voy tranquilo con la satisfacción que dejé todo por el Ecuador", dijo Lapentti.

Google translation:
Nicolas Lapentti, who became the world number six ranking in 1999, announced its withdrawal from the profession to engage in private activities.

"From now on I will dedicate myself to work on several projects that have to do with the future of tennis in my country, " said Ecuadorian tennis player in tears.

In a press conference, Lapentti said "this decision was hard, so I did not want speed, I wanted to be 100 percent sure. "

During his career he won five ATP titles in 1999 and stood at six in the world since. That was the year that reached the semifinals of the Australia Open, his best result in Grand Slam tournaments. Also reached the quarterfinals of Wimbledon in 2002.

Though not mentioned, repeated injuries led him away to the high competition from professional tennis last year. "I'm comfortable with the satisfaction that left everything behind for Ecuador, "said Lapentti.


I'm so sad. All the best Nico.

[takuma]

Even though I saw it coming I'm so heartbroken...I will never forget him and his amazing fighting spirit.
Good luck in your future activities Nico, and all the best to you and Maria Garcia.

[Kezzi]

Is this a photo from that presser?
I will also remember him forever, he's the first player I ever saw on tv. Was in his doubles with Giova against GB. I watched the whole match without knowing a single thing about tennis. He made me enjoy watching tennis so much and he never disappointed me after that first match. I wish him, Maria and the whole Lapentti family all the best. I've met them in Croatia, his parents and gf are such lovely people. Though I hope to see Giova around more often now.

[takuma]

Yes, it is

[coasterman9]

Good luck to his life away from tennis.

[HuaTuo]

All best wishes to him

[Kezzi]

He attended a charity event, don't know exactly what it is or what he said, cause I don't understand a single word of what they're saying in this video.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video....50578167600344

[Kezzi]

Some more after tennis news from Nico: He got married to Maria recently on Ibiza. At least that's what I assume from the photo's he's tagged in on his facebook page.

[Kezzi]

Nico and his beautiful Maria:


Apparently little brother Giova also got married and is expecting a baby with his wife. Congrats to them!


And Nico organized a tournament:
http://www.eluniverso.com/2012/04/26...-lapentti.html

Looks like Nico is enjoying his life after tennis.