Former world No.2 Anett Kontaveit declares retirement from WTA aged 27

“This doesn’t permit for full-scale coaching or continued competitors. Due to this fact, it’s inconceivable to proceed on the high stage in such a extremely aggressive area.

“Tennis has given and taught me quite a bit, and I’m very grateful for that. It has been necessary for me to convey the Estonian flag to the tennis courts and to have the ability to play in entrance of my supporters and followers everywhere in the world.

“I’m prepared for brand new challenges after my final effort as knowledgeable tennis participant – to benefit from the sport and compete as laborious as I can at Wimbledon.

“Thanks everybody on your steady assist x… Anett.”

Kontaveit, whose finest grand slam end was on the quarter closing of the 2020 Australian Open, has struggled to make it previous the opening rounds of any event over the previous 18 months.

At the moment ranked 79th on the earth, Kontaveit was knocked out in spherical two of the Australian Open this 12 months and has not performed since spherical one of many French Open.

Successful six WTA titles over her 13-year profession, with 4 received throughout her 2021 breakthrough season, Kontaveit stays the highest-ranking Estonian participant in tennis historical past.

The announcement has led to an outpour of assist for Kontaveit, with present world No.2 Aryna Sabalenka commenting a tear and a coronary heart on the star’s submit.

Present world No.3 Elena Rybankia advised Speaking Tennis, “All people goes to overlook her… it isn’t straightforward to come back again from any damage, it is a pity. For Anett, it is actually unfortunate”.

The WTA and Australian Open thanked the star “for all of the recollections”, wishing her the most effective along with her future.

Tennis reporter Nick Carter labelled the information as “stunning”, hoping all who go to see her closing sport at Wimbledon “give her a great ship off”.

Kontaveit’s closing match can be performed at Wimbledon, starting on July 3.

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