Report by Rickee Bhardwaj
She made the shocking announcement after suffering a defeat to Francesca Schiavone at the end of year WTA Championships in Doha 6-4, 6-2.
Addressing the
Dementieva revealed that she had made the decision to retire at the beginning of the year much to the dismay of her family including her mum (and coach) Vera. Her family had hoped she would play for 2 more years but this was not on the cards for Elena. She added, “They were very surprised by the decision. I was really looking for some support. I think nobody was really happy about it, maybe except my boyfriend." While not giving a lot of detail the tennis star also hinted that she was retiring to start a family and focus more on her private life.
Dementieva, 29, currently ranked number 9, started playing professionally 12 years ago and her biggest career achievement came when she won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Having amassed over 16 tour titles her best grand slam results came in 2004 when she reached the final of the French Open and the US open. Usually known as one of the most consistent players on tour her recent performances have seen her halted at the semi finals of the majors.
The women’s game will be a less exciting place without Dementieva and her fellow tennis players were quick to heap praise on the Russian. In a video posted by the WTA a host of top players came out to pay tribute to her talents and to wish her well for the future.
World number 1 Caroline Wozniacki described her as a ’role model’. While former juniors competitor and US open champion Kim Clijsters said, “Having our careers grow up together was a lot of fun. I’m excited to follow up on the next bit of your life. I wish you all the best”
