"My body is telling me it's time" - Shelby Rogers announces retirement from tennis after one last hurrah at US Open 2024
American tennis player Shelby Rogers has announced her plan to retire after the 2024 US Open. She released a statement that she has pushed her body to its limits and it is time to move on to the next chapter of her life.
Rogers underwent knee surgery in 2023 and took a hiatus of over half a year before returning to tennis. The 31-year-old took to social media to announce her retirement plans.
"When you start playing a sport as a kid, you never think about the ending. You just practice, have fun, and chase your dreams as hard as you can. My dream was to be a professional tennis player, and I can forever tell that little girl we did it!" Shelby Rogers wrote.
She thanked god for his blessings through both the high and low moments of her career. Rogers wrote that she did not have 'enough words for this moment' but she was confident that her body had been pushed to its limit.
The American faced a 'challenging' period in the last few years with surgeries and injuries but her body was telling her that it was time to move on.
"I always said that if my heart loves it and my body is healthy I would play this sport forever! But now my body is telling me it's time," she added.
Further, she thanked her team that has been a part of her journey in the world of tennis. Rogers played her first ITF event in 2009 and she went on to win six ITF titles.
Her best Grand Slam finish included quarterfinal exits at the French Open and the US Open. Her career-high ranking came two years ago when she reached World No. 30 after reaching her third WTA Tour final.
"My heart will always love this sport... I am very much looking forward to this next chapter of my life," Rogers wrote.
Shelby Rogers will face Jessica Pegula in the US Open 2024 1R
In the past two weeks, Shelby Rogers has faced a first-round exit in the qualifiers of the Cincinnati Open and the Cleveland Open. At the US Open, she is going to face a tough test against compatriot Jessica Pegula.
The sixth seed is in impressive form as she won the Canadian Open and finished runner-up at the Cincinnati Open. Rogers and Pegula have faced off once before and the latter came out on top.
Nonetheless, Rogers is excited to see her fans again at the New York Major.
"I can't wait to see y'all in NY for one more US Open!" she wrote in her retirement announcement on social media.
This will be Rogers' 10th US Open main draw appearance. She has crossed the first-round barrier in her last seven main-draw appearances.