Shocking tennis retirement : Elena Dementieva

I'm sure it has been a shock for most of the tennis fans, when, after the Dementieva-Schiavone match in Doha, the best WTA players of the world stepped on the court and surrounded the Russian star with tears in their eyes. "This year in Doha was very special for me because it was my last tournament," Dementieva told the crowd. The reaction was the expected one. No one could believe the ninth player of the world was leaving the tour, right in this good moment of her career.

"I'd first like to thank Stacey Allaster. We're very lucky to have you as the leader of the tour. You do so much to make our tour better, trying to take women's tennis to a different level. It has been a big honor to be a part of the tour for such a long time. I'd like to thank all the people from the WTA - it was so nice to get to know all of you and work with you for so many years. I'm going to miss you so much. Thanks to all the players for the amazing experiences, all the years I spent on the court with you. And thanks to all the people around the world for supporting me, and my fan club, I could feel your support no matter where I was in the world. Thank you for your devotion.

"Most importantly, thanks to my family, especially my mom. You've been very supportive, encouraging, inspiring... you were always there for me. It was a long way and we did it together. I love you mom.

"It's so emotional. It's hard to say goodbye. I'm going to miss you so much."

"Russia is proud to have you. You've been a great inspiration and role model for kids," Vera Zvonareva said on court. "You've done so much, not just for Russian tennis but for Russian sport. The whole country is proud of you."

"We kind of grew up together. I've been playing with her since the juniors," Kim Clijsters said. "It's nice to see her look forward to something new in her life. She's been one of the most professional, nicest girls on tour.

"It will be rare to see another player like her."


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Altough Elena didn't won a Grand Slam title, she had a big career. Here are some of her most important tennis moments.

Dementieva reached her first Grand Slam semi at the 2000 US Open, the first Russian ever to make it that far in New York.

Dementieva won her first Olympic medal at Sydney in 2000, making it to the final and collecting silver.

Dementieva was a fixture among the upper echelon, qualifying for the WTA Championships 10 of 11 years.

Dementieva reached her first Grand Slam final at the French Open in 2004, beating French star Amelie Mauresmo en route. It was the first all-Russian Grand Slam final. Elena was the runner-up to Anastasia Myskina.

Dementieva reached her second Grand Slam final at the 2004 US Open, finishing runner-up to Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Eight years after the silver in Sydney, Dementieva beat Dinara Safina for the Olympic gold medal at Beijing in 2008. Elena considers the Olympic gold medal in Beijing in 2008 her greatest career achievement as a tennis player.

Dementieva made the semis or better at Grand Slams nine times, including the thrilling 2009 Wimbledon semifinal.

Dementieva's 16th and final WTA title came in Paris in February 2010, where she beat Lucie Safarova in the final.

Everything has an ending. After her last match at the WTA Championships - Doha 2010, Elena Dementieva announced her retirement on court.

GOOD LUCK IN YOUR LIFE AFTER TENNIS, LENA!

Source: www.wtatour.com