Story By: Anastasia Smirnova, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golder’s News And Sport
Former doubles world number one and Olympic champion tennis ace Ekaterina Makarova has announced her retirement after a 16-year career.
Russian tennis ace Makarova, 31, made the announcement in a social media post to her 50,200 online followers.
The statement read: “I made a difficult decision to end my professional career in tennis.
“Today I want to thank everyone who has been with me shoulder to shoulder all these years. Who took part in my sports career, starting from my childhood and ending with it. (sic)”
Makarova thanked “the best team of professionals” which included coaches and doctors she worked with adding that “I would like to thank my lovely family and friends who have always been there for me.
“I always feel your love and support. My family is my source of energy and inspiration. (sic)”
She thanked her fans by saying: “My dear, faithful fans! You have always supported me anywhere in the world. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
“Your faith in me gave me strength and helped me move forward to victories! (sic)”
Makarova ended her statement by saying: “I am very happy and proud of my sports career. It’s time to move on and start a new stage in my life. (sic)”
During her 16-year career, Makarova reached world number one in doubles in 2018, currently ranked ninth, and world number eight in singles in 2015.
She has four Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold which she won with fellow-Russian tennis player Elena Vesnina, 33, in the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games.
Makarova has been out of action for nearly a year, having not played since Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in February 2019, however it is unclear why she has remained of the courts.
She is known for her ability to perform in important matches, which allowed her to reach the semi-finals at the 2014 US Open and the 2015 Australian Open.
Makarova is scheduled to retire at the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy which will take place from 10th to 16th February.
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