Sweden's Thomas Johansson hangs up his racket
Swedish tennis star Thomas Johansson, the 2002 champion of the Australian Open, announced his retirement on Friday at the age of 34.
"After a lot of thought, I've decided to end my professional tennis career effective immediately," said Johansson, a former world number seven.
"Last autumn, I underwent yet another operation for a foot injury and, one month ago, I became a father for the second time."
Apart from the Australian Open where he beat Marat Safin in the final, Johansson won seven other ATP titles and was doubles silver medalist with Simon Aspelin at last year Beijing Olympics.
"I have many great memories. My first ATP World Tour title in Copenhagen in 1997 as well as the victories at the Stockholm Open in 2000 and 2004 are amongst the best.
"Despite being unlucky with injuries during my career, which were very tough and frustrating for me, I'm very pleased that I was able to fight my way back into the Top 10 on two occasions, reaching a career high of seventh."
Johansson, who started playing tennis at the age of five, amassed a 357-296 tour-level singles record and a 76-98 doubles record as a professional player.
His last tour-level matches came for Sweden in its Davis Cup World Group first-round tie against Israel in March.
Comments
See Also
"After a lot of thought, I've decided to end my professional tennis career effective immediately," said Johansson, a former world number seven.
"Last autumn, I underwent yet another operation for a foot injury and, one month ago, I became a father for the second time."
Apart from the Australian Open where he beat Marat Safin in the final, Johansson won seven other ATP titles and was doubles silver medalist with Simon Aspelin at last year Beijing Olympics.
"I have many great memories. My first ATP World Tour title in Copenhagen in 1997 as well as the victories at the Stockholm Open in 2000 and 2004 are amongst the best.
"Despite being unlucky with injuries during my career, which were very tough and frustrating for me, I'm very pleased that I was able to fight my way back into the Top 10 on two occasions, reaching a career high of seventh."
Johansson, who started playing tennis at the age of five, amassed a 357-296 tour-level singles record and a 76-98 doubles record as a professional player.
His last tour-level matches came for Sweden in its Davis Cup World Group first-round tie against Israel in March.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.