Share

Roland Garros finalist Safarova set to retire

Prague - Czech former world number five Lucie Safarova, a French Open runner-up in 2015, said on Saturday she will retire after January's Australian Open. 

The 31-year-old has struggled with illness after coming down with a bacterial infection three years ago, just months after her run to the Roland Garros final. 

She said the stress of constant travel was taking a toll on her and that she preferred to bow out on her own terms. 

"The time has come, I wanted to do it the right way, I still like tennis and will miss it," she told reporters at the Fed Cup final between the Czech Republic and the United States. 

The left-hander, currently ranked 106th, has won seven individual titles and a further 15 in doubles. 

She claimed five Grand Slam doubles triumphs alongside American Bethanie Mattek-Sands - winning both the Australian Open and French Open in 2015 and 2017, and lifting the US Open crown in 2016. 

She also won the Fed Cup on four occasions.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1814 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1774 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1082 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 459 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 186 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE