Bautista Agut scores twice on debut for Spanish seventh-tier side

Just over a month after retiring from tennis, 38-year-old Roberto Bautista Agut scored twice on his debut for Spanish seventh-tier side CD Els Ibarsos as they won 4-2 in a pre-season match. He had signed for the club ahead of the game.

Els Ibarsos, who are based about 60 miles north of Valencia, presented Bautista Agut to supporters before his debut. He played for Villarreal's youth teams until the age of 14 before opting to pursue a career in tennis. The appearance was a return to competitive sport for the former Wimbledon semi-finalist.

He scored twice in a 4-2 win on his debut in a pre-season match. On Instagram Bautista Agut wrote: "It's a new stage of life that's making me very happy". He added on Instagram: "May the good start continue!"

The club wrote on Instagram: "It's official: Roberto Bautista Agut is a C.D. Els Ibarsos player,". The post continued: "Thanks to everyone who came out to support us and create a great atmosphere on an unforgettable evening. And thank you, Roberto, for putting your trust in this project and this town."

During his tennis career, Bautista Agut reached a highest world ranking of ninth in late 2019, boosted by his run to the last four at Wimbledon earlier in the year. His tennis career featured 12 singles title wins plus a Davis Cup triumph with his country in 2019.

Achieving success on the football field is now his challenge, and Els Ibarsos said they are looking forward to watching him play for a "whole season".