Caroline Garcia Announces Retirement, Set for Emotional Farewell at Roland Garros
French tennis star Caroline Garcia has announced her decision to retire from professional tennis, marking the upcoming French Open as her final appearance at the iconic Roland Garros. The 31-year-old shared the news on social media, saying she feels ready to embrace a new chapter after dedicating more than two decades of her life to the sport.
“Dear tennis, it’s time to say goodbye,” Garcia 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.”
Once ranked world number four in singles, Garcia has been a prominent figure in women’s tennis, earning nearly $19 million in prize money. She captured 11 WTA singles titles during her career and notably won the prestigious WTA Finals in 2022, a title considered just below the Grand Slams in prestige. That same year, she also claimed her second French Open women’s doubles title alongside Kristina Mladenovic.
Despite a drop in rankings—she is currently 145th—Garcia remains a celebrated athlete in France and beyond. Her standout singles Grand Slam performance came at the 2022 US Open, where she reached the semi-finals.
Reflecting on her emotional journey, Garcia admitted it wasn’t always smooth sailing. “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,” she said.
Garcia cited both physical and personal reasons for stepping away from the sport, explaining that her body and future goals need more attention. “But now, it’s time for something else. My body and my personal goals need it.”
Though she has not specified the exact number of events left before her retirement, Roland Garros will be the starting point of her farewell tour, beginning this Sunday.
Her decision comes at a time when French tennis continues to evolve, and Garcia’s departure will certainly leave a void in the hearts of fans who have watched her grow from a promising teenager to a WTA standout.
