As much as it was not an easy decision, Bruno knew it was the right one. He was keen to finish at the highest level and the choice came in a tournament that has great representation in his career.
It was after defeat in the second round of the US Open, which he won in 2016 and 2020, that he confirmed, on September 3, that he is leaving the sport that has given him so many things, on and off the court. Bruno was also the winner of the Australian Open (2016). He will have his official farewell at the Mineirinho gymnasium in Belo Horizonte, his hometown, on November 26.
He will, alongside legend Bob Bryan, open the duel between Rafael Nadal and Casper Rudd. On the other side of the court, a long-time partner: Marcelo Melo, who started playing tennis at the same time at Minas Tenis Clube, playing alongside Rafael Matos, from Rio Grande do Sul.
Flash Score News conducted an exclusive interview with the six-time Grand Slam winner to find out about the memories, the moment of decision, the legacy and plans for the future. Check it out!
What legacy do you leave for Brazilian tennis?
Make people believe that dreams are possible. With a lot of effort and dedication, it is possible to get where we want. I have reached where some Brazilian tennis players have been. The legacy is about rewarding work, willpower, believing, making sacrifice worthwhile. The process is long, it is not a "short shot", this teaching is the main legacy I would like to leave to the kids.
Did it go much further than I expected?
Absolutely. My dream was to go professional and stand out. I usually say that I've achieved much more than I dreamed of and played much more than I expected. I never imagined I'd reach the age of 40 and have won everything I've achieved.
When did you decide to retire?
It was not easy, I had already been thinking about it for the last two years. After the pandemic, my mind was already focused on it. It was a moment that was getting closer and closer, even though I was extremely motivated. I matured the idea over the past two years and decided to close the cycle this year, after a tournament that represents a lot to me.
Do you believe that you and Marcelo have filled a gap that was missing in Brazilian doubles tennis?
I don't think we filled a gap, but rather opened up possibilities. We followed the path that some Brazilians have followed for a short time, when they did not dedicate the same time to being doubles players. Without a doubt, Marcelo Melo, André Sá and I have opened a fan to make some people see other paths in tennis.
Is there any title you are most proud of or that has been most representative of you?
It's very difficult to say. The Grand Slams, in terms of titles, are the greatest, it is the high point of the sport. I had the privilege of winning them six times. The first one has a different emotion, it's the realization of a dream. But each one has its history, each conquest has a different emotion, but all of them have an important weight in my career and in my heart.
Do you feel relief for not having to deal with the routine of training, travelling, etc?
I admit that I do. I really enjoyed travelling and competitions, I always enjoyed being on the road. But the routine of training and competitions is heavy, it wears me out. As time went by, age didn't help anymore. No doubt, there is a relief.
Why did you fit so well in the pairs?
I've had a talent for this sport since I was a child. I've always liked and been interested in doubles, and I picked up the "badness" of this type of game from a very young age. The culture of Minas Gerais has a lot of doubles games in clubs, so I was exposed to this kind of situation. A lot of people who play singles get a bit lost when they go to play doubles.
How do you believe you have contributed to the growth of Brazilian tennis?
By fomenting, encouraging and making people believe. Finally, through Fly, a training centre that is a sports arm that I have been involved with for a long time. We also contribute to the training of new players.
Can Brazil expect new successful duo players in the coming years? Who are they?
For sure, we have opened the way for many to see a different opportunity. Several are already coming up. Now, I see Rafa Matos leading this pack, but there are a lot of people with great ability to play well in doubles, and that's the trend. You have to start as soon as possible. This extra time for preparation and dedication can help new talents to emerge.
What better idea than to officially bid farewell in BH, opening a Nadal match?
It was really a great gift to crown this moment with my family and friends, people who have been by my side throughout this journey. They have helped me get so far. It's going to be a special and exciting night.
Are you ready for the emotion of the official farewell? Can you imagine what it will be like?
It's hard to say, moments like this are usually out of our control. I know it's going to be exciting, I've been to a few and it's hard to hold back the emotion.
Do you intend, besides your career as a manager, to continue in tennis in any way?
Fly makes me stay close to tennis. We work with training and the massification of tennis. It was a sport that educated me, taught me, and transformed me as a human being. Now it's time to give something back.
Is your career as an entrepreneur exclusive to the medical cannabis company? Or are there other current and future projects?
It is not exclusive. I work in an investment fund whose pillars are health, sport and education. In addition, I am part of a financial advisory project and I participate in a platform of digital solutions for education. I am also a partner in a clothing brand, a sports content company and we hope to continue growing.
Has the cannabis company given the expected return?
Better than expected. We started small, taking the first step, understanding the market and believing it was a novelty. It is a work of great dedication, which has given a very nice return.
In what ways can the company and this line of business grow? What are your plans for the short, medium and long term?
Our role is to accelerate the growth of companies operating in this area. It is an important moment of regulation, of bringing information and greater access to more people, so that they have the chance to know and enjoy medicinal cannabis.
Will cannabis-based medicines still be present in your life even after you retire?
For sure, they will be there for the rest of my life. I started using them in 2017 to help with inflammation in the body, as well as fighting anxiety and helping me sleep. These are things that are not privileges of athletes, any human being has suffered with these things. For me, the benefits have been gigantic and I intend to delve deeper into this market. I decided to invest and I believe in the transformation potential of this market.