After losing a Women’s Qualifying Singles match at the 2022 US Open, American WTA player Christina McHale walked off the court and away from professional tennis for good.
The 30-year-old McHale lost to Belgium’s Ysaline Bonaventure 6-3 6-1 in the first round of qualifying at the season’s final Grand Slam on Wednesday, August 24, and it marked the end of her twelve-year-long pro career. During the players council meeting ahead of the US Open, WTA Chairman and CEO Steve Simon presented McHale with a retirement gift, a framed collage of photos that celebrate her days on tour.
Barely anyone has noticed McHale’s goodbye, as there are no reports about it and she hasn’t made an announcement on social media. The American is leaving in complete silence.
Christina McHale’s highest singles ranking was No.24, reached in August 2012. At the moment of retirement, she’s ranked No.249. The American earned over five million dollars in career prize money. Her sole WTA singles title came at the 2016 Japan Women’s Open in Tokyo. In doubles she triumphed twice, also in 2016 — at the Hobart International with Han Xinyun and the Tianjin Open with Peng Shuai.
Sad…! 🙁
But happy retirement to Christina and all the best to her for the next chapter of her life! Hopefully she will keep us posted with everything she’s doing/everything that’s happening on her social media…!
Team McHale forever!!!
Congratulations to McHale. It was a profitable career and I’m sure treasured.
Peng Shuai did the same… Why did Steve Simon treat her retirement so dramatically? Isn’t it time for Steve Simon to apologize for his personal screams for the spotlight?
What did “Tennis Balls” mean by the comment that Steve Simon needs to apologize for his personal screams for the spotlight ?
she commented on twitter and instagram
Joe Sawyer, yes, I’ve seen it, but days after her retirement, on September 1.