World No.9 doubles player Casey Dellacqua has announced her retirement from professional tennis at the age of 33.
In a post uploaded to her Facebook account, Dellacqua said that she was stepping away from the court to spend more time with her family after a 16-year career in the sport. She has two children with her partner Amanda Judd.
“It’s something that I’ve been thinking about for a while now, and I definitely feel it’s the right time to hang up the racquets,” Dellacqua said.
“It’s time for me to be a mum and it’s time for me to spend time with my family, particularly while my kids are young.
“I’ve been so fortunate to have a great career doing what I absolutely love, and fulfilling my childhood dream of being a professional athlete.”
During her career, the Australian has featured in a total of seven women’s doubles finals at grand slam tournaments. Including with four Ashleigh Barty. Her single triumph in the majors occurred at the 2011 French Open when she claimed the mixed doubles title alongside Scott Lipsky. On the WTA Tour, Dellacqua has won a total of 13 titles and has been ranked as high as third in the world.
The 33-year-old also enjoyed a strong career in singles competition. Reaching a career high of 26th in 2014. On the ITF circuit she managed to win a total of 22 titles over a ten-year period before switching her focus to the doubles. She has reached the fourth round of the Australian Open twice (2008 and 2014) and the US Open once (2014).
A two-time Olympian, Dellacqua has also been marred by injury during her career. Shoulder surgery resulted in her missing most of the 2009 season. Then during 2015 she was hampered by a foot injury followed by the after effects of concussion suffered during a fall at the Beijing Open.
Her final competitive match was in the Fed Cup earlier this year where Australia defeated the Ukraine 3-2.
“It’s often talked about how athletes struggle post-career, but I’ve got a wonderful partner, I’ve got two beautiful kids, an amazing family. Since Fed Cup, there’s not been one moment where I’ve sat down and had time to think, because I’m so busy with the kids, doing loads of washing, organising meals. Whatever it is, I’m just enjoying that part of life because I’ve never done it.” She wrote in an article for The Players Voice.
What a career. Let’s celebrate @caseydellacqua with these unforgettable moments 👏 pic.twitter.com/DIhIRBGnNr
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) 10 April 2018