Reigning Olympic champion and former world No. 3 Elena Dementieva announced on October 29 her retirement from tennis after bowing out of the WTA Championship in Doha.
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© RIA Novosti . Anton Denisov
Reigning Olympic champion and former world No. 3 Elena Dementieva announced on October 29 her retirement from tennis after bowing out of the WTA Championship in Doha.
Dementieva made the announcement after crashing out to Francesca Schiavone in the group stages.
Dementieva reached two Grand Slam finals in 2004, and grabbed the Olympic gold medal in Beijing four years later.
"Thanks to all the players for the amazing experiences, all the years I spent on the court with you," Dementieva said.
"Most importantly, thanks to my family, especially my mom. You've been very supportive, encouraging, inspiring... you were always there for me. It was a long way and we did it together," she said in bringing a 12-year professional career to a close.
In the photo: Dementieva and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in the Kremlin.
In the photo: Dementieva and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in the Kremlin.
Elena Dementieva and former Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov.
Elena Dementieva and Vladimir Putin.
Elena Dementieva and the head of the Russian tennis federation, Shamil Tarpishchev.
Elena Dementieva and Dmitry Medvedev.
