Monica Seles Announces Official Retirement From Professional Tennis
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Feb 14, 2008 | Print | Email | Bookmark | Free Subscription
© Ryan Pierse/Getty Images for Laureus
Five years after playing her last match, former world No. 1 Monica Seles has officially retired from professional tennis.
In a statement released Thursday by her agent Tony Godsick, Seles announced that she will no longer attempt making a comeback to the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.
“Tennis has been and will always be a huge part of my life. I have for some time considered a return to professional play, but I have now decided not to pursue that,” Seles said today from Miami, Florida.
A foot injury forced Seles off the professional circuit in 2003, but since then she has become one of tennis’ most beloved ambassadors. She is a member of the Laureus World Sports Academy, a unique association of 43 of the greatest living legends from sports.
Seles, now thirty-four years of age, earned nine Grand Slam titles, and won 53 singles and six doubles tournaments during her illustrious career.
She first became No. 1 in the world in March 1991. She was No. 1 for 178 weeks during the next two years — the youngest No. 1 ever at the time — until tragedy struck in April 1993, when she was stabbed in the back during a match in Hamburg, Germany.
She was not able to play again for more than two years. When she did return, she won even more hearts with her comeback win at the Canadian Open, then reached the U.S. Open final the following month. Remarkably, she then won her ninth Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January 1996.
Seles intends to continue her role as an advocate for tennis during the next chapter of her life.
“I will continue to play exhibitions, participate in charity events, promote the sport, but will no longer plan my schedule around the tour,” added Seles.
“I look forward to pursuing other opportunities with the same passion and energy that fueled my dedication to tennis and to devote more time to two of my passions — children and animals. I especially want to thank all my wonderful, loyal fans for all of their support for me over the years.
They have inspired me throughout my career in the good times and comforted me in the bad times. I have always been so proud to have such a special group of precious fans to call my very own and felt they were the best an athlete could ever hope to have. I will miss them all as much as I will miss competing in the game of tennis.”
Alsacienne | Feb 14, 2008 | Reply
she looks way different! I almost didn’t recognize her. She definitely looks older than 34
NIck | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Monica used to be a little chubbier and since her injury she has been very thin looking. But at 34 I don’t think any comeback is possible.
I think Capriati will be next to announce retirement.
Sad to think that 34 is the 67 of retirement in Tennis.