STARNBERG, December 28, 2016

Former World No. 1 and 2008 Roland Garros champion, Ana Ivanovic, announced Wednesday evening her retirement from professional tennis.

“I can only play if I can perform up to my own high standards, and I can no longer do that, so it’s time to move on,” the 29-year-old from Serbia told via facebook.

“It has been a difficult decision but I have so much to celebrate,” Ivanovic added.

“I began dreaming about playing tennis when I was five and saw Monica Seles playing on TV. I have seen heights I never dreamt of achieving.” Ivanovic captured 15 WTA titles and also finished runner-up at the French Open 2007 as well as the Australian Open 2008.

Ivanovic has been sidelined from the courts with injury since August and dropped to 63 in the WTA Rankings, having won just 15 matches in 2016 – the most recent in June. Her last match took place during the IPTL with the UAE Royals.

Ivanovic’s official statement on twitter:

To my dear supporters…. pic.twitter.com/9ycCamNela

— Ana Ivanovic (@AnaIvanovic) 28. Dezember 2016