Ana Ivanovic retires from tennis at 29

NEW YORK, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic announced her retirement from tennis Wednesday.

Ivanovic, 29, won the 2008 French Open, was an Australian Open finalist and was considered the top women's player during her early career.

"After 13 years of playing tennis professionally, I have taken the extremely difficult decision to retire from competitive tennis," Ivanovic said in a statement. "This has been a tough decision, but there is so much to celebrate."

"I began dreaming about tennis when I was 5 years old and saw Monica Seles. My dear parents backed me all the way, and by the time I was ranked #1 in the world in 2008, I'd seen highs I'd never dreamed of. I've won 15 WTA Tour singles titles, I played three Grand Slam finals and Fed Cup final. Pretty good for any tiny slip of a girl from Serbia!"

"But seeing those "highs" in any professional sport demands top physical form, And it is well known that I have been hampered by injuries. For myself, for my fans and for all the young girls and boys who might be watching me, just as I watched Monica, I can only play if I can perform up to my own high standards, and I can no longer do that. It is time to move on."

"While my competitive chapter is coming to an end, tennis and my love for the game will still remain very close to my heart – I won't be disappearing completely from the circuit! I am also excited about the new challenges and the new path ahead of me."

Ivanovic's last professional match was her loss in the first round of the 2016 US Open. She has been ailing from a recurring wrist injury. She turned professional in 2003.

"Ana is a true champion and a great ambassador for the sport of women's tennis," Steve Simon, WTA CEO and Chairman, told WTA Tennis in a statement. "She has contributed greatly to the entire sport, both in her home country of Serbia and across the globe. She will certainly be missed on our tour as she is not only one of a very select few that achieved the WTA No.1 ranking but is also one of the most respected players on Tour."