by Lapo Castrichella
For most people, today may have begun like any other. But for tennis lovers, it was something else entirely.
Today [25/03/2025], at the age of 63, Juan Aguilera passed away. For younger fans, the name might not ring a bell, but in the 1980s Aguilera was one of the most talented players on the circuit, reaching a career-high world ranking of No. 7 in September 1984.
“I remember when he reached his best ranking — I played him the following year, in 1985, at the Italian Open,” recalls Gianni Ocleppo, former world No. 30 and long-time stalwart of Italy’s Davis Cup team. “He beat me 6-1, 6-2. He was very lean, but had a fantastic forehand and a superb sliced backhand.”
A stylish player with great feel for the game, Aguilera won five ATP titles, leaving his biggest mark with a spectacular victory in Hamburg in 1990. That week he defeated high-level opponents such as Ivanisevic, Chang, Courier, Gustafsson and Forget, before crushing home favourite Boris Becker in the final with a stunning 6-1, 6-0, 7-6 scoreline. That triumph made him the first Spaniard ever to win a Masters 1000 title (then called a ‘Super 9’).
He was also remembered as a true fighter. Claudio Pistolesi, former world No. 71 and now a highly regarded international coach, recalls:
“In 1991 I played him in the second round on Court 2 at the Monte Carlo Masters. It was a real battle, lasting over three hours. I was down 4-1 in the third set when rain stopped play. After the delay, I managed to come back and win 6-3, 1-6, 7-5. Definitely one of the best wins of my career,” said the Roman coach, highlighting just how tough it was to get past a competitor like Aguilera.
Omar Camporese, former world No. 18 and one of Italy’s most talented players — winner of ATP titles in Milan and Rotterdam — also shared heartfelt memories of his friend and frequent training partner:
“He was a great guy. We got on really well and trained together often. I liked practising with him because I could really feel the ball. I was in love with his slice backhand — sometimes I’d ask him how I could get even close to his level (laughs). I still remember when he told me he beat Stefan Edberg in the Nice final with a ton of slice passing shots.”
On hearing the news, Camporese was stunned:
“I feel an enormous void. I really cared about him, and I believe he felt the same. He’ll remain a wonderful memory for me.”
Beyond his talent — one of the finest sliced backhands in the game and a penetrating forehand — Juan Aguilera will be remembered for his loyalty and authenticity. Calm and reserved by nature, he left a mark on those who knew him.
His close friend and former colleague José Altur, once a top 90 ATP player and former coach to the likes of David Ferrer and Igor Andreev, shared his grief:
“He was one of the best people I’ve ever known. With tennis players, you’re often stuck in this friend-rival dynamic — but with him, you felt like you had a real friend, a colleague, a brother. I remember him as a simple, humble person. I’m five years younger than him, and he was a real inspiration to me.”
Altur also recalled moments off the court:
“He travelled to tournaments with his guitar. We’d hang out in his room, listen to music. He was great company. Today is a very sad day for me. He was a great tennis player — but more than anything, a great person.”
Tributes to Aguilera didn’t just come from his contemporaries. Even Rafael Nadal paid his respects on social media. The 14-time Roland Garros champion wrote:
“My sincerest condolences to Juan’s family and friends. He was a great example for our sport, and he will be deeply missed.”
Tennis has lost a great champion — but more importantly, a truly remarkable human being.
This article was originally written Spazio Tennis by Alessandro Nizegorodcew and published in Italian on SpazioTennis.com.
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