Kiki Bertens, former world No.4 and the Netherlands's highest-ranked player in WTA history, said on Wednesday that this year would be her final competitive tennis season.
The 29-year-old Kiki, who had reached the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/search/French+Open-all">French Open</a> semi-final in 2016 and the Wimbledon quarter-final in 2018, has won 10 singles and 10 doubles titles in her career.
In an Instagram post, Kiki said a combination of last year's <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/search/Coronavirus-all">Covid-19</a> outbreak and a lingering Achilles injury had forced her to bring a premature end to her competitive career.
"For me, if Covid didn't come maybe I could continue for two to three more years, I have no idea. But when you're in the rhythm of doing something, it's easy for me and I can just keep on going, no matter how long," said Kiki.
Kiki was not thinking about retirement when the 2020 season began as she had won the Madrid Open -- the biggest title of her career -- the previous year and had reached a career-high ranking of No.4.
She began 2020 on a positive note, making the quarter-finals in Brisbane and pre-quarterfinals at the Australian Open.
"But then Covid came and everything changed. With the unknown, it was tough to go out there and practice every day," she said.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a class="ng-binding" href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/other-sports/article/queens-club-andy-murray-returns-after-3-years-wins-first-match-23178456">Queen's Club: Andy Murray returns after 3 years, wins first match</a>
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Kiki was not thinking about retirement when the 2020 season began as she had won the Madrid Open -- the biggest title of her career -- the previous year and had reached a career-high ranking of No.4.

Top Dutch tennis player Kiki Bertens to retire due to Achilles injury, Covid-19 outbreak

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Home / Sports / Other Sports / Article / Top Dutch tennis player Kiki Bertens to retire due to Achilles injury, Covid-19 outbreak

Top Dutch tennis player Kiki Bertens to retire due to Achilles injury, Covid-19 outbreak

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