Dementieva announces shock retirement from tennis to seek ‘big change in life’
By ANISaturday, October 30, 2010
LONDON - Russia’s Elena Dementieva has announced her surprise retirement from tennis after a loss at the WTA Championships in Qatar, ending her 13-year career.
Dementieva revealed her decision at the on-court presentation of the tournament on Saturday.
“This year is very special for me because this is my last tournament. It is so emotional. It is so hard to say goodbye. I am going to miss you so much,” the Age quoted Dementieva, as having told the crowd at the Khalifa Tennis Complex in Doha.
“To be honest with you, I mean, if I would be a man I would never stop playing. But at the age 29, I have to think about something else. I think I’m ready for a big change in my life,” she added.
The Beijing Olympic gold medallist and two-time grand slam finalist is ranked No. 9 in the world after reaching a career-high No. 3 last year.
This year she overcame shoulder, calf and ankle problems to qualify for the championships for the 10th time in 11 years.
The 29-year-old won 16 career titles, including two -the Sydney International and Paris Indoors -in 2010, and was runner-up at both the French and US Opens in 2004. (ANI)
