Hungary's Szavay retires over back trouble
Hungarian tennis star Agnes Szavay, 24, has announced her retirement because of back problems.
"Unfortunately a long road has led to this decision, I have no choice, I must not risk my health," Szavay, who had an operation last year for a cracked vertebra, said in a statement.
"It is a very emotional and shocking moment. For more than 10 years my life has revolved around tennis. I loved to do it, and probably my career peak was still ahead of me," she added.
Szavay began playing tennis at the age of five, and turned professional in 2004.
She won five Women's Tennis Association (WTA) tournaments in singles and two in doubles.
Ranked 207 by the WTA in 2006, she climbed to 13th place by 2008, but suffered continual injury issues in recent years.
"I'm very proud of my tournament successes and titles. It was difficult, but I have a lot to thank this sport for," Szavay said, adding that she plans to open a children's tennis academy.
