The Slovak Magdalena Rybarikova officially ends her career as a professional tennis player and announced her decision on Instagram on Thursday morning. The 32-year-old Rybarikova originally planned to say goodbye in the final of the Billie Jean King Cup (formerly Fed Cup) in Budapest, in order to finally reverse her decision because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As some of you may know, I haven’t played competitive tennis in over a year,” she wrote in the Post. “I was hoping to be able to play the Fed Cup Finals in Budapest as the last event of my career.
Unfortunately, the whole situation around COVID-19 has changed these plans. After carefully analyzing the different scenarios, I decided to put an end to my professional tennis. ”
Rybarikova reached the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2017
Shortly after her insightful entry into the semifinals of the Wimbledon Championships 2017, the Slovak rose to 17th place in the WTA rankings.
Place in the world. Rybarikova played with a protected ranking and had two weeks to remember. She surprised Karolina Pliskova, number 3 in an exciting match with three sets, and beat CoCo Vandeweghe in the quarter-finals to become the first female tennis player in her country to reach all four finalists in SW19.
Together with Andrea Petkovic, she reached the same round in women’s doubles at Wimbledon in 2014, won four WTA singles titles and was runner-up in two premier-level tournaments, losing twice to Petra Kvitova.
“After almost 15 years of ups and downs, I am incredibly grateful for everything this incredible sport has brought me. Not only have I met a lot of nice and interesting people around the world, but I’ve also experienced incredible emotions, starting with winning my first Tournament as a little girl up to the Wimbledon semi-finals 2017.
Although there were obviously some difficult moments with lots of injuries, insecurities and sacrifices, I wouldn’t want to miss a second of my incredible journey. “In her last Grand Slam appearance, she stunned Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon before losing to American teenager Cori Gauff, who made it into the second week of the tournament.
“I would like to thank all the fans for supporting me in the good and not so good moments and for cheering me on during the games and through the various media channels.
You always helped me take it a step further when I thought I couldn’t do it anymore. “I leave with a big smile on my face and I’m excited to see what the next chapter of my life will bring.” Photo credit: SITA / AP / Alastair Grant
