Wimbledon star emotional as she retires aged 27 after career-ending injury

Anett Kontaveit’s tennis career drew to a close after just 13 years as the former world No 2 lost her second-round match at Wimbledon. Aged just 27, Kontaveit announced that she would be ending her career at SW19 after being diagnosed with an injury that forced her to stop playing.

Kontaveit was able to delay her retirement when she finally won her first-round match against Lucrezia Stefanini on Wednesday after two days of rain delays. But 32nd seed Marie Bouzkova proved too tough an opponent as the Estonian lost 6-1 6-2.

The six-time title winner has entered the mixed doubles draw with Emil Ruusuvuori so is still guaranteed to play one more match but her glittering singles career ended on the spot with Thursday’s defeat. Her family were courtside to witness her farewell and her mum was in tears as Kontaveit waved goodbye to the fans.

The former world No 2 had routined her first-round opponent but couldn’t get past Bouzkova, dropping the opening set in just half an hour. And the match was done and dusted in just 65 minutes, leaving Kontaveit to retreat to her bench and exit the court for the final time in her singles career.

MORE TO FOLLOW

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.

We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Source: Read Full Article