Swiss tennis player Schnyder announces retirement

Switzerland's Patty Schnyder returns the ball to Romania's Sorana Cirstea during his first round match of the French Open tennis tournament, at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Tuesday, May 24, 2011. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

By TRUNG LATIEULE, Associated Press

May 28, 2011 4:46 AM PT

Switzerland's Patty Schnyder reacts during a training session, at Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Saturday, May, 21, 2011. The French Open tennis tournament starts Sunday.(AP Photo/Bertrand Combaldieu)

Switzerland's Patty Schnyder returns the ball during a training session, at Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Saturday, May, 21, 2011. The French Open tennis tournament starts Sunday.(AP Photo/Bertrand Combaldieu)

PARIS —

Swiss tennis player Patty Schnyder announced her retirement Saturday, four days after losing in the first round of the French Open.

Schnyder played in 59 Grand Slam tournaments, including 52 in a row from 1997-2009, and her best showing was making the semifinals at the 2004 Australian Open.

“It’s time to close this amazing chapter of being a tennis player,” the 32-year-old Schnyder said. “It’s a very emotional decision. ... It’s overwhelming feelings, and I’m going to need some time.”

Schnyder, who turned professional in 1994, is ranked 55th in the world but her highest ranking was No. 7 in 2005.

Not reaching the last match of a Grand Slam tournament will remain Schnyder’s only regret, however.

“The Grand Slam final was definitely a dream, and it will remain a dream,” Schnyder said.

Schnyder, who was born in Basel, the same town as Roger Federer, compiled a 555-370 career record. She also won 11 singles titles in her career, but had only three wins in 12 matches this season.

Clinching the title in Zurich in 2002 was one of her career highlights, she said.

“It has been definitely the win in Zurich, the biggest tournament I won, and especially at home,” Schnyder said. “And the Fed Cup in Switzerland.”

Schnyder teamed up with Martina Hingis to reach the final of the Fed Cup in 1998, losing to Conchita Martinez and Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario of Spain in Geneva.

“The evening after singles (at the French Open) I said, ‘I’ve reached my 100 percent,’” Schnyder said. “That’s just a feeling of my heart. It feels right.”