Former Wimbledon semifinalist Julia Goerges bid farewell to tennis with an emotional message on Wednesday evening.
The 31-year-old, who reached a career high of No 9 in the WTA rankings, appeared in her 48th straight Grand Slam at the French Open recently. It appears that her second-round loss to fellow German Laura Seigemund at Roland Garros was will be her last professional match.
My dear @juliagoerges, I just heard the news and wanted to dedicate you a few lines. First of all, congratulation on your fantastic career! We have experienced a lot of fun on and off the court, and I feel privileged that I had a chance to meet you! pic.twitter.com/BKsy1gLtdr
— Karolina Pliskova (@KaPliskova) October 21, 2020
In an emotional note posted on her website, Goerges wrote, ‘Dear Tennis, I am writing to you, because I am ready to say “Goodbye”. When I started playing tennis at the age of 5, I would never have thought that we would go such a long way together.”
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Making her debut on the ITF circuit in 2005, the German went on to win 12 WTA titles (seven singles, five doubles) in her 15-year career.
Ohhh, this is such happy and sad news. I’m sad that I won’t see you on tour any more and happy because it means you are happy off court and you are ready to start another chapter! Your future looks very bright so I’m wishing you all the best and will keep in touch! ❤️😘🤗 https://t.co/c77xKSHwc1
— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) October 21, 2020
She achieved her best Grand Slam singles result at Wimbledon 2018, when she made the last four and eventually went down to Serena Williams. That effort meant Goerges had reached Round of 16 or better at all the four majors.
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Later that season, Goerges broke into the top 10—achieving a career high of No 9 in August, 2018. She became the eighth German woman – after Sylvia Hanika, Bettina Bunge, Claudia Kohde-Kilsch, Stefanie Graf, Anke Huber, Andrea Petkovic and Angelique Kerber—to crack into the top-10.
Jule! Wishing you all the best for your life away from tennis. Thank you for your big smile and for our battles on the court. We will miss you 🤗 https://t.co/G4bZThpMMa
— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) October 21, 2020
“You have given me so many different types of emotions throughout our journey and I am very thankful for everything you have shown and taught me,” Goerges added in the note, having called time on her career while ranked No. 45 in the world.
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“I learnt how to deal with the toughest losses but also enjoy the most amazing wins of my career, to fight back many times when I was struggling with you and through it all we never lost sight of our dreams.
Congrats on an incredible career 🙌🏼🏆🇩🇪 https://t.co/RTORA4ygNm
— Alexander Zverev (@AlexZverev) October 21, 2020
“I always knew how I would feel when it is time to say goodbye to you, and that moment has arrived. I am ready to close the tennis chapter of my life and open a new one, which I am really excited about.
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“Thank you for everything you have given me. You will stay forever in my heart.”
One of the most-liked players on tour, Goerges was flooded with heartwarming messages and best wishes from her peers on social media.
