Five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova is on Wednesday
said ” goodbye” to tennis.
The 32-year-old defined her career in 2004 when she won her
first Grand Slam, at the age of 17.
The Russian then completed her career slam in 2012, when she
won the French Open, writes BBC Spots, and from there her winning luck never
stood.
Her message to fans was simple, during the announcement of
the retirement.
“I’m saying goodbye. Looking back now, I realize that tennis
has been my mountain. My path has been filled with valleys and detours, but the
views from its peak were incredible.
“After 28 years and five Grand Slam titles, though, I’m
ready to scale another mountain – to compete on a different type of terrain.
“That relentless chase for victories, though? That
won’t ever diminish. No matter what lies ahead, I will apply the same focus,
the same work ethic, and all of the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Reason to leave
“In the meantime, there are a few simple things I’m
really looking forward to: A sense of stillness with my family. Lingering over
a morning cup of coffee. Unexpected weekend getaways. Workouts of my choice
(hello, dance class!)”
But what could have forced Sharapova to retire from Tennis?
Vogue and Vanity Fair cited by BBC writes that, Sharapova chose
to retire since her body “had become a distraction” following struggles
with her shoulder injuries.
Injury
In 2017, she fought with injuries trying to recapture her
best form.
Sharapova cites her 6-1 6-1 first-round defeat by Serena
Williams in 2019 as the ear-marker of her end in the career.
“Behind closed doors, 30 minutes before taking the
court, I had a procedure to numb my shoulder to get through the match,”
she said,
“Shoulder injuries are nothing new for me – over time
my tendons have frayed like a string. I’ve had multiple surgeries – once in
2008, another procedure last year – and spent countless months in physical
therapy.
Doping
“Just stepping on to the court that day felt like a
final victory, when of course it should have been merely the first step toward
victory.”
2016 was yet another year that derailed Sharapova zeal, serving
a 15-month ban after testing positive for meldonium.
The Tennis star has dropped to 373 in the world, her lowest
ranking since August 2002.
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