Elena Dementieva has announced her retirement from tennis after bowing out of the WTA Championships in Doha.
The emotional Russian addressed the crowd following her 6-4 6-2 defeat to Francesca Schiavone, and, with her fellow players looking on, called time on a successful career that began 12 years ago.
The popular 29-year-old enjoyed her best season on the tour in 2004, when she reached the final at both the French and US Opens, however a Grand Slam title continued to elude her.
But Dementieva – who once reached number three in the rankings – arguably enjoyed her finest moment away from the tour when she clinched Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008.
“I would to thank all the players for an amazing experience and some wonderful memories,” she said. “It’s very emotional.
“I would like to thank all the people round the world that have supported me throughout my career and especially my fan club, you were always there for me.
“No matter winning or losing, I could always feel your support so thank you for your devotion.
“It’s emotional sayong goodbye to all of you. I will miss you.”
Compatriot Vera Zvonareva took the microphone to thank Dementieva for her contribution to the sport.
“I think I just wanted to say thank you, Russia is proud of you, proud to have you,” she said.
“What you’ve done for tennis in Russia, you’ve been a great inspiration, a role model for all the young kids for the past 10 years.
“You’ve done so much not only for Russian tennis, but for Russian sport.”
