Tennis star Agnieszka Radwańska, one of Poland’s top athletes in recent years, has hung up her racquet for good. The former world number two has announced her retirement from professional tennis after featuring at every Grand Slam for the last decade, with the exception of this year’s French Open, from which Ms Radwańska was forced to withdraw with a back injury.
“I’d like to share with you one of the most important decisions of my life. After 13 years of playing tennis competitively, I have decided to end my career. This was not an easy decision. I am grateful to have so many special memories, including 20 WTA titles, the WTA Championships in Singapore, a Wimbledon final, and so many others,” she said.
“Unfortunately I am no longer able to train and play the way I used to, and of late my body has not been able to live up to my expectations. Taking into consideration my health and the heavy burden of professional tennis, I have to concede that I’m not able to push my body to the limits required,” she added.
“Throughout my career, I always did my best to represent my country in the best possible way. I hope that my tennis matches were a source of emotion and joy for you all. Your support, warm words and faith in me were with me in every single match I played, and this is what I’m most thankful for. Thank you for every sleepless night in front of the TV and all those Fan Favorite awards – that was the biggest honour and best reward for my hard work. I am truly grateful for having the best and most loyal fans in all of tennis,” she continued.
“Ms Radwańska was the first Polish player to reach a Grand Slam singles final in the open era, and the first to win the WTA Finals. She was also voted the WTA Fan Favourite for six consecutive years,” said the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in a statement.
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Photo: Christian Mesiano
