Gisela Dulko to retire from pro tennis
- Gisela Dulkov of Argentina announced her retirement from tennis
- Dulko won four singles titles and 17 doubles titles in her career
- Dulko: "I gave tennis my total devotion"
Gisela Dulko of Argentina is retiring from professional tennis.
Dulko, 27, made the announcement Sunday on her website.
Dulko's statement read in part:
"Dear friends: I would like to share with you that I have come to an important life-decision. I am retiring from professional tennis. This was not an easy decision, despite the fact that it has been on my mind for quite some time.
"Tennis has been my life for the past 20 years. I started playing when I was 7 and knew from a young age that I wanted to be a professional tennis player. I gave tennis my total devotion. With all my energy and my love I achieved things I never believed possible.
"Along the long road, there were many great moments and some which were not so great. Today I am proud to say that I enjoyed my career so very much. All of my titles in singles and doubles will forever hold a very special place in my heart.
Dulko won four singles titles and 17 doubles titles in her career, reaching a high of No. 26 in singles and No. 1 in doubles.
Dulko, teaming with Flavia Pennetta, won the 2011 Australian Open title. That came off her best year in doubles, 2010, when she and Pennetta teamed to win eight titles, including the season-ending WTA Championships.
"The reason why I have decided to retire from tennis is because I now have other priorities on which I want to focus," Dulko said in her statement. "As a result, I don't have the same desire or ability to make the sacrifices which are necessary to live the life of a tennis professional."
One area she could pursue: Modeling. She already has done some of that, and her Twtter images -- posing in lingerie and bikinis -- occasionally drew attention.
Twitter messages poured in, from players and commentators:
From Tennis Channel's Justin Gimelstob: "congrats on an amazing career. You always handled yourself on and off court with so much class an dignity."
From Sabine Lisicki: "@gidulko wish you all the best for your life after tennis!!"
And this from the WTA: "All the best Gisela, the #WTA will miss you! :)"