French Open: Ex-US Open Star Joins 31YO WTA Pro as She Makes a Shocking Career Decision

Yanina Wickmayer once said, “It’s been a hell of a ride but I’m really happy to be back and this is honestly an amazing moment for me.” She was reflecting on her first Grand Slam draw at Wimbledon 2022 after becoming a mother. The Belgian player welcomed her daughter, Luana, in July 2021. During her maternity leave, she missed the court and the rush of competition. Though she hasn’t matched her 2009 US Open semifinal run since, Wickmayer pushed through with fierce determination. Now, it’s time for her to say goodbye.

On May 22, during her French Open campaign that kicks off Sunday against Victoria Azarenka, the Belgian tennis mom shared disheartening news on Instagram. After 21 years on the court, she decided to hang up her racket at the 2025 Wimbledon, at the end of June.

She wrote, “The word is finally out. I decided to write the last pages of my tennis book in Wimbledon. Being able to close this last chapter on my own terms surrounded by the people who mean the world to me is what I am most grateful for. It’s not a goodbye just yet, there are still battles left to fight and enjoy. Thank you for everyone who walked this road with me. Let’s make these last moments unforgettable. Can’t wait to play in front of the Belgian fans at Roland Garros. Love Wicky 🩷”

Wickmayer began her professional tennis career in 2004. She rose to prominence with a 2009 US Open semifinal run that boosted her to a career-high World No. 12 in April 2010. Known for her competitive spirit, she won five WTA singles titles: Oeiras and Linz (2009), Auckland (2010), Tokyo and Carlsbad (2015). Her last title came in Washington D.C. (2016). She also reached six WTA finals, including Birmingham (2008), ’s-Hertogenbosch (2009), Auckland (2011, 2013), and Hobart and Bad Gastein (2012).

But Wickmayer isn’t alone in retirement plans. Earlier today, Caroline Garcia, one of France’s most athletic and aggressive players, announced her imminent retirement. She will play Bernarda Pera in a first-round match that could be her last at Roland Garros. She also plans to compete in “a few” more tournaments this year.

“It’s time to say goodbye,” the 31-year-old wrote. “After 15 years competing at the highest level, and more than 25 years putting pretty much every second of my life into it, I feel ready to start a new chapter.”

Garcia struggled with injuries over the past year, especially shoulder pain that became unbearable. She withdrew from Madrid, Rouen, and Rome tournaments to focus on recovery. However, she faced backlash for her decision. Playing an abbreviated schedule, Garcia arrives at Roland Garros with a 3-6 record and sits at No. 145 in the PIF WTA Rankings.

The Frenchwoman wrote, “My tennis journey hasn’t always been easy. Since my early days, tennis has been much more than just winning or losing. It’s been love or hate. Happiness or anger. Still, I’m deeply grateful for this journey—for everything tennis has given me, and for how much it’s helped me become a strong, passionate, hard-working woman. But now, it’s time for something else. My body and my personal goals need it.” It’s tough to see tennis lose these iconic players.

Back to Wickmayer, her tennis journey was truly one to watch. Throughout her career, she showed fierce competitive spirit by winning five WTA singles titles and four doubles titles. She consistently competed at the highest level, including representing Belgium at the 2012 London Olympics.

After a brief hiatus to welcome her daughter in 2021, Wickmayer made a strong comeback in 2022. She showed her enduring determination on tour and spoke up for fellow tennis moms struggling to return post-maternity leave.

Yanina Wickmayer opens up about being a tennis mom

On the day former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki announced her comeback after three years off to start a family, Yanina Wickmayer made it clear: motherhood doesn’t hold you back in tennis. The Belgian, who welcomed daughter Luana in April 2021, qualified for Wimbledon again in Roehampton. She beat Arianne Hartono, Elena Gabriela Ruse, and Laura Siegemund to secure just her second Grand Slam appearance since the 2020 US Open. “It’s been a really special journey to comeback [after childbirth],” she told itftennis.com. “I’m really enjoying my time and the challenge I set myself.”

Wickmayer wasn’t alone in this experience. Players like Elina Svitolina, Victoria Azarenka, Taylor Townsend, and Naomi Osaka also returned to top-level tennis after becoming moms. They all spoke about how tough it was to get back into the rhythm after childbirth. Over time, Wickmayer noticed a shift in how people viewed her. “It’s a different kind of respect that you get,” she said.

“People appreciate me more now because of what I’m doing as a mum. It sounds crazy because it shouldn’t be different, but it is different. When people look at me now I feel like they see the person behind the tennis player more than they used to before,” she added. Now, as the French Open inches closer, Wickmayer is prepared for her final Roland Garros appearance.

She is set to face Azarenka on May 25 and give it her all. What do you think? Can she make a deep run in this last hurrah? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post French Open: Ex-US Open Star Joins 31YO WTA Pro as She Makes a Shocking Career Decision appeared first on EssentiallySports.