30 October,2010 07:22 AM IST | | AFP
Olympic champion Elena Dementieva unexpectedly announced her retirement at the age of only 29 after losing her last group match at the year-end WTA Tour Championships here yesterday.
Elena Dementieva
Dementieva, who reached two Grand Slam finals, bowed out amidst tearful scenes after a 6-4, 6-2 loss to Francesca Schiavone, the French Open champion from Italy. The Russian has been troubled by injury and seemed to be hampered by an ankle problem that restricted her movement this week.
"It's so difficult to say goodbye," she said, fighting back her emotions.She explained: "When I talked to my family about this decision I was ready for them to support me, but they were very surprised.
"They said you can play a couple of years and win many tournaments - but if you feel this way you have to make this decision. I think no-one was really happy about it except my boyfriend."
