The wrap-around sunglasses that Tommy Robredo wears during matches can’t hide his soul.
Robredo was playing his final qualifying match at the United States Open on Friday afternoon against a fellow 36-year-old, Nicolas Mahut, when midway through the third set, Mahut hit a serve out wide that appeared to clip the line. The linesman called the ball wide and the chair umpire would not overrule. There is no Hawkeye challenge system available in qualifying.
Robredo simply walked to the ad side of the court, ceding the point to his opponent. No discussion, just action that said much about the player and about an era that is long gone in tennis.