Reuters

Seles quits tennis

Updated 10.55 Fri Feb 15 2008

Keywords: Monica Seles, Tennis

Former world women's tennis number one Monica Seles has announced her retirement from the sport.

Seles, 34, won 53 singles and six doubles tournaments, racking up nine Grand Slam titles along the way.

She was the youngest winner of the French Open in 1990 and became world number one the following year, holding the top spot for 178 weeks over the next two years

She was the youngest winner of the French Open in 1990 and became world number one the following year, holding the top spot for 178 weeks over the next two years.

Seles' career was almost ruined when a spectator stabbed her in the back during a match in 1993, putting her out of the game for more than two years.

The Yugoslavian-born champion became an American citizen in 1994 and staged a triumphant comeback, winning the Canadian Open then reaching the US Open final the following month.

A ninth Grand Slam title followed in 1996 but a foot injury sidelined Seles in 2003 and she lost two exhibition matches against Martina Navratilova in 2005.

Seles announced she will no longer compete as a professional but may play in charity matches.

She said in a statement: "Tennis has been and will always be a huge part of my life.

"I especially want to thank all my wonderful, loyal fans for all of their support for me over the years."