Joachim Johansson retires from tennis

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Joachim Johansson, once ranked in the Top 10 in the world, Friday said he is retiring from competitive tennis because of a shoulder injury.

Johansson, 25, anchored his game to a powerful serve but shoulder problems have forced three surgeries since 2005.

"I can practice for a few weeks and play an individual tournament but after that my shoulder gets overworked forcing me to rest for a longer period of time," Johansson said. "Taking that into account it is hard for me to reach my objectives and for that reason it makes it impossible for me to continue my challenge."

Johansson won three tournaments in his career, including two in 2005. He was ranked No. 9 in February 2005 but is currently ranked 738. His best finish in a Grand Slam event came in 2004 when he advanced to the semifinals of the U.S. Open.

He won nearly $1.5 million over a 7-year professional career.