Tennis star Ana Ivanovic announced her retirement from professional tennis on Facebook, directly broadcasting her decision to millions of fans by virtue of the social media platform’s Live feature on Wednesday night.
The 29-year-old, who got married to Manchester United footballer Bastian Schweinsteiger in July this year, has been struggling with injuries for the past couple of seasons and cited that as the chief reason behind her decision.
“It is a difficult decision but I feel the time is right to move on. I have been hampered by injuries recently and unable to maintain the top physical form that is required for the sport. My own standards are set quite high and I feel I have been unable to match them for a while" explained the frank Serbian in the video.
Ivanovic turned pro when she was just 16, back in 2003, and 13 years on the WTA Tour seem to have taken a toll on her body. Her finest year was in 2008, when she reached the final of the Australian Open, won the French Open and even held the World No. 1 ranking for a while.
An offensive right-handed baseliner, her form dropped steadily after the lofty heights of 2008, and ended 2016 with a ranking of just 65.
Giving a clue as to what comes next she added “I still love Tennis but now I can devote time to my philanthropic activities and of course continue my role as UNICEF ambassador to promote sports among the youth.”
“What I have achieved in my career is much more than what I dreamed of, not bad for a little girl from Serbia no? Watching Monica Seles on the television for the first time when I was five inspired me to play tennis and my parents have been extremely supportive of my career.”
Tall and elegant on the court, graceful and inspiring off it, Ivanovic’s departure will leave many to think perhaps she retired too soon and her winning smile will be missed on the court.