British tennis star, Anne Keothavong, has decided to “hang up” her racket. Keothavong announced her decision to retire from tennis on Wednesday. She posted a YouTube video on Twitter explaining her decision to retire and begin a broadcasting career.
Hi everyone, I have some exciting news to share with you… http://t.co/a1Aa7oUEC5
— Anne Keothavong (@annekeothavong) July 24, 2013
Keothavong said “I have given my decision a lot of thought and I believe this is the right time to move on to the next stage of my career. I have had some magical moments along the way and I would like to thank my family for their unwavering support and encouragement, the LTA for their fantastic backing, my coach Jeremy Bates and also Nigel Sears who have both been very influential in my tennis career and of course, the great tennis fans in Britain and all over the world.”
The former British number one will be joining the tennis crew of BT Sport later this year. Keothavong thanked everyone who have sent messages since she made the announcement.
Thank you so much for all your kind messages, I've been really touched by them all. Xxx
— Anne Keothavong (@annekeothavong) July 24, 2013
The now retired tennis star added, “I think I am leaving tennis in excellent shape with both Laura Robson and Heather Watson leading the way for Britain in the women’s game. I am now focusing on my exciting new challenge with BT Sport where I hope I can provide insight and analysis for tennis fans.”
During her career, Keothavong won 20 International Tennis Federation (ITF) singles titles, eight ITF doubles titles and made seven Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) semi-final appearances. In 2009 she became the first British woman in 16 years to crack the world’s Top 50, a career-high singles ranking of No. 48.
At age 12, she played in her first match on the Junior ITF tour in February 1996. She played in her final match in the Junior ITF tour in August 2001. She began her professional career on the ITF circuit at the age of 14 in 1998.