Swiss tennis player Patty Schnyder announced her retirement at a tearful press conference in Paris on Saturday.
Grand Slam title will have to remain a dream says Schnyder
Swiss tennis player Patty Schnyder announced her retirement at a tearful press conference in Paris on Saturday.
Schnyder, who was born in Basel, the same town as Roger Federer, made the announcement five days after losing in the first round of the French Open.
The 32-year-old won 11 singles titles during a 17-year career that saw her make 59 Grand Slam appearances, including 52 in a row from 1997-2009.
Her best result came when she reached the semi-finals at the 2004 Australian Open but after only three wins in 12 matches this season, she has finally decided to call time on her career.
Schnyder, whose first major was at Roland Garros in 1996, fittingly chose the venue, where she was making her 16th successive appearance, to make the announcement.
"It's time to close this chapter of my tennis career. It's very emotional," said the left-hander, who reached a career high of seventh in the world in 2005.
"I had always wanted to win a Grand Slam title but that will have to remain a dream.
"I have been very proud to share great moments with all the fans over the world and with so many champions from many decades.
"It's an overwhelming feeling and now I just need some time.
"I felt I had some more years in tennis but the last five weeks on clay I have not been able to push away the desire of wanting to do other things in my life. That's the feeling of my heart.
"And after my first round defeat here (against Sorana Cirstea in straight sets), I decided I had to do something."
Schynder beat a succession of world number ones in her time including Martina Hingis, Serena Williams, Steffi Graf, Kim Clijsters, Justine Henin as well as current world leader Caroline Wozniacki.
But she said her best memory would remain her victory on home ground at the Zurich tournament in 2002 where she defeated Lindsay Davenport in the final.
"Regrets? That's too strong a word," she added. "When I was a kid, I had so many dreams and some came true. I wanted a Grand Slam title but that will have to remain a dream."
