MADRID, April 22 (UPI) -- Albert Costa of Spain, the 2002 French Open champion, has announced he will retire after the Barcelona (Spain) Open next week.
It will be his 14th consecutive appearance at the event, which he won in 1997.
"I was finding it harder and harder to leave home and to go out on to the courts to compete again," said the 30-year-old Costa at a news conference. "Lately, injuries (also) have become a problem. First, I'm going to enjoy some time with my family. For me it is very special to be here to play my final tournament here. It is very emotional for me and it was very difficult for me to take this decision to retire, but it is now time for me to say goodbye."
Costa -- who has 12 singles titles and more than $7 million in career earnings -- is the third veteran player to retire this month, joining Spain's Conchita Martinez and Thomas Enqvist of Sweden.
