Former world number 18, Florian Mayer has announced that he will retire from tennis after the US Open.
The 34 year old German had only won two titles in his illustrious career including a 500 event in Halle two years ago and was known for his crafty play that would trouble opponents. However after 17 years on tour, Mayer has now announced that he will retire from Tennis after the US Open this year.
In an interview with the Bavarian Tennis Association this is what the former world number 18 had to say about his decision, “I always put a lot of variety in my shots, with many drops shots and slices, but it is getting more and more difficult, as the courts are getting faster and faster. The young players in the early 20s are coming in, highly motivated, fit, playing very hard and athletic, making it harder and harder to stay in the top 100 every year.”
The German veteran has realised that his body has broken down and now can’t compete with the upcoming next generation of superstars. He is now looking forward to playing on home soil for the last time in Munich, Stuttgart, Halle and Hamburg, “It is great to play on Center Court in front of your home crowd,” added Mayer.
Mayer also reflected upon his shock title win in Halle in 2016, “Winning an ATP 500-series tournament in Germany after the comeback was unbelievable, it felt awesome and I will always keep it in good memory.”
The German won over 7 million dollars in prize money in singles and doubles as well as winning 241 career matches.
