South Africa's Tenille Van Der Merwe (formerly Swartz) has announced that she will be retiring from the WSA tour immediately.
Tenille spoke to us briefly and had this to say:
'It is with great sadness that I hereby announce my retirement from the international circuit. I have been part of WSA since 2006 and it was only an honour and privilege playing on the international circuit. WSA is very well run and organised and I have never experienced any problems. All the tournaments I have been to, were run in a very professional manner and working with WSA has always been hassle free. Thank you that I had the opportunity to be part of such an amazing organisation, this was the toughest decision I have ever had to make and I will certainly miss all the good times I had on the circuit. '
When asked why she had decided to step away from the tour Tenille added, 'The main reason is financial and also set back because of injuries. Also because of my new business opportunity, I am running a new business called soccermom Cape Town; it's a recruitment company that places drivers with families who can't transport their kids to and from school and or activities. Almost like aupairing but only for the driving duties, I will also complete my Bcom law degree next year.'
Tenille was one of the brightest stars on the tour and at only 24 years old, already achieved more than most players had done in their careers. She was a former British Junior Open finalist and World Junior Open semi finalist. She reached a career high of 28 in the rankings back in 2008 and won 2 titles on the tour. Recurring injuries saw her ranking fluctuate up until today but every time she dropped down it didn't take her long to quickly return to the top 50, such is her talent.
Tenille proved a difficult opponent for a lot of the top players and her results speak for themselves. She held winning records or has beaten the following players: Tania Bailey, Low Wee Wern, Nour El Sherbini, Engy Kheirallah, Emma Beddoes, Aisling Blake, Annelize Naude, Camille Serme, Dipika Pallikal, Donna Urquhart and Isabelle Stoehr. Last year she also took both Vanessa Atkinson and Rachael Grinham to the brink. Impressive.
Not only was Tenille talented but she was one of the nicest and kindest players on the tour, humble in victory and gracious in defeat. A role model for young players and an ambassador for the game.
Everyone at WSA wishes Tenille all the best for her marriage, business venture and we hope to see you back on the court someday soon.
A true South African great.
Tributes so far:
'Nilla, South African squash is losing a great sporting talent. Thank you for showing us what is possible, against all odds.
You are truly an inspiration for many of us, and paved the way where many didn't see how it could be done. Your dedication and work ethic is truly admirable, and if I become half the ambassador for the game that you have been, I will be more than satisfied. I pray the next chapter of your life bears much fruit. You will be missed...and your coffee needs in the early hours of the morning :)
God bless, my friend.'
Siyoli Waters
"It was sad for me to hear the news that Tenille had decided to call it a day still so early in her career. We've had some tremendous battles over the years and I won't miss her running me ragged only to pip me in 5 nearly every time! If it hadn't been for a serious shoulder injury and the costs of travelling from South Africa she would definitely have been challenging the top 10 by now. But more than that Tenille is one of the friendliest and kindest people I have ever met who is a great role model for any aspiring professional player. No matter if she won or lost it was always with the greatest humility and I know I will not be the only one to miss having her on the tour. I hope South African squash appreciate what a great player and ambassador she has been for them and I wish her every success in the future."
