Julia Goerges of Germany has announced her retirement from tennis.
The former world No.9 broke the news on Facebook:
I always knew how I would feel when it is time to say goodbye to you, and that moment has arrived. I am ready to close the tennis chapter of my life and open a new one, which I am really excited about.
Goerges started playing tennis at the age of five and developed a stellar career which included seven titles in singles and five in doubles. She is one of only three WTA players from Germany to reach a Top 15 ranking in both singles and doubles (the other two are Steffi Graf and Claudia Kohde-Kilsch).
The 31-year-old advanced to the fourth round at all four Grand Slams, while her best result at a major was a run to the semifinals at 2018 Wimbledon. During her 15-year professional tennis career, Goerges played 257 tournaments, including 48 straight Grand Slam main draws. She won a career-high 48 matches in 2017 and ended that year by winning back-to-back titles in Moscow and Zhuhai, continuing the streak into early 2018, which she opened with a title in Auckland.
The last match Goerges played was in the second round of the recently-finished French Open, where she lost to compatriot Laura Siegemund in three sets.
Ahh I always enjoyed watching Julia 🙂 She had a great game and a great personality on and off the court. I wish her all the best in her new life and I can actually picture her coach the German Fed Cup team.
Manfred, Julia was such a joy to watch. And she’s a really likable person. She’ll definitely be missed.