Former world No 2 Kontaveit to retire after Wimbledon resulting from damage
The 27-year-old was world quantity two as not too long ago as final 12 months however has suffered a irritating season, with a second-round exit on the Australian Open in January and a defeat within the opening spherical at Roland Garros final month.
Kontaveit was compelled to retire from her match in opposition to Shelby Rogers in Abu Dhabi earlier this 12 months with an damage, one which then saved her out of motion for 2 months, and the Estonian took to social media on Tuesday to disclose she has been compelled to name time on her profession.
“Today I am announcing that I am ending my career as a competitive athlete,” Kontaveit wrote on Instagram. “After several doctor’s visits and consultations with my medical team, I have been advised that I have lumbar disc degeneration in my back.
“This does not allow for full-scale training or continued competition. Therefore it is impossible to continue at the top level in such a highly competitive field.”
Kontaveit has six WTA titles to her identify, 4 of these coming within the area of three months in 2021, and she or he climbed to a career-high second on the planet rankings in June final 12 months.
Now ranked 79th, Kontaveit will play her remaining match at Wimbledon, with the motion at SW19 getting underway on July 3.
“Tennis has given and taught me a lot, and I am very grateful for that,” she continued. “It has been important to me to bring the Estonian flag to the tennis courts and to be able to play in front of my supporters and fans all over the world.
“I am ready for new challenges after my last effort as a professional tennis player – to enjoy the game and compete as hard as I can at Wimbledon.”