“I’m going to play my last Roland-Garros in exactly one month and I’ll retire right away (…) I’ve been thinking regarding it for a long time, but officially announcing it does a little something”declared the former world No.11 in the Canal Sports Club show.
Victorious of six singles titles, three doubles titles, and the Fed Cup in 2019, the Niçoise holds the record for the number of Grand Slam tournaments played in a row: 68 since the 2007 Australian Open (Wimbledon 2020 having was canceled due to Covid).
She reached the quarter-finals in Melbourne in 2022, her best run in a Major. She has reached the round of 16 twice at Roland Garros (2015, 2017) and Wimbledon (2014, 2022) and once at the US Open (2020).
“It’s the right time (to stop) because it’s the result of a long journey that lasted more than two years. And now, in recent months, my thoughts have become clearer and I feel that it’s It’s time, quite simply. My ranking has gone down a bit.“, explained the player who had fallen to 107th place in the world.
“Don’t want to be pushed out”
“I don’t want to be pushed towards the exit (…) I feel that I have a little less to give in terms of desire and for me it’s the right time to say goodbye to tennis “added Cornet. “I had immense joys, but in return there were big disappointments, moments of depression and I think it was ultimately a roller coaster for 20 years…”continued the player known for her combativeness.
The Frenchwoman was surprised to discover a message recorded by Rafael Nadal in the show. “Hello Alizé, I wanted to congratulate you on your incredible career, I wish you the best for the future, I’m sure everything will go well, it’s your day so enjoy it. All the best for the future and congratulations once more !”declared the Spaniard, winner of 22 Grand Slam tournaments.
The Frenchwoman, moved, expressed her admiration for the former world No.1, an “example” for her.
Asked regarding the strongest memory of her career, Alizé Cornet spoke of her victory once morest the world No.1 at the time, Serena Williams, in the third round of Wimbledon in 2014. “In general, when people ask me which match had the most impact on me, I tend to cite that one”. A feat achieved a week following the death of his grandmother.
At the end of her playing career, the Frenchwoman intends to devote herself to writing, having published her first novel in 2022 entitled “La Valse des jours”. His new book “What’s Missing in Love” will be released at the beginning of May. “A whole new life. And I’m ready for it!”launched the player and novelist at the conclusion of a short letter she had written.
